New Delhi, 6th September: A major tragedy struck South Delhi’s Satya Niketan area today at around 1:30 PM when a five-storey building collapsed, triggering panic in the entire locality. The building was being used as a private student hostel, where students from across the country were staying to pursue their studies at Delhi University.
In the rescue operation that continued till late evening, a total of 11 people have been pulled out from the debris, out of which 3 students have died. The condition of the other injured is stated to be critical and they have been admitted to nearby hospitals. Several more students are still feared trapped under the rubble.
40-year-old building, excavation despite waterlogged basement
According to locals, the building was around 40 years old. For the past few days, its basement was waterlogged, yet the owner had continued excavation work in the basement. It is suspected that this negligence weakened the foundation and led to the collapse.
Rent was Rs 12,000 per bed, mess charges extra
Students who survived the mishap said that each room in the hostel had two beds and the landlord was charging Rs 12,000 per bed, with food and mess charges extra. Since the building is located very close to the South Campus of Delhi University, students were forced to stay there despite the exorbitant rent.
CM Rekha Gupta visits site, assures strict action
Soon after receiving information about the incident, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inspected the accident site and visited the hospital to meet the injured students. Expressing deep grief over the incident, she announced strict action against the guilty landlord and directed officials to expedite relief and rescue operations.
Rescue operation continues, parents rush to Delhi
Teams of the local administration, fire brigade and NDRF were engaged in removing debris and rescuing those trapped till late evening. Meanwhile, as soon as the parents of the students living in the hostel got information about the incident, they started reaching the spot late in the evening.
The administration has sealed the debris area and nearby buildings are also being vacated as a precautionary measure.