Building Collapse in New Delhi Kills One, Traps Dozens in Student Hostel

A five-storey building housing a boys’ hostel collapsed in New Delhi’s Satya Niketan neighbourhood on Sunday, killing at least one person and leaving dozens feared trapped beneath the rubble.

The building, located near Delhi University’s South Campus, collapsed in the afternoon in the densely populated student area. Fire officer Abhilash Malik said an estimated 30 to 40 people could still be trapped inside the debris, while some of those buried were reportedly able to make phone calls to rescuers.

Police, firefighters and teams from India’s disaster-response agencies rushed to the scene as heavy machinery was deployed to clear the rubble. Rescuers have been working cautiously to reach people believed to be alive beneath the collapsed structure. At least two injured people were initially reported to be in critical condition.

The building, reportedly known as Hostel Daze, was used as private student accommodation. Local reports said construction work was underway in the basement shortly before the collapse, raising questions about whether the work contributed to the disaster. Authorities had not immediately confirmed the cause.

The incident triggered a major emergency response, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, Delhi Disaster Management Authority and municipal teams joining the operation. Oxygen cylinders were also taken to the site as rescuers attempted to communicate with people trapped underground.

The number of casualties remained fluid as rescue teams continued their search. While the initial Associated Press report put the death toll at one, later Indian reports said the number had risen to at least three and, in some reports, higher. The casualty figures should therefore be treated as provisional while the rescue operation continues.

The collapse has also renewed concerns about building safety in Delhi, particularly in densely populated areas where older structures have been converted into student hostels and paying-guest accommodation.

Authorities are expected to investigate the condition of the building and the work reportedly being carried out in its basement.