At least six persons died, and several others suffered injuries after a five-storey student PG building came crashing down in southwest Delhi’s Satya Niketan on Sunday afternoon, turning a congested neighbourhood near Delhi University’s South Campus into a frantic rescue zone. With fears that dozens could still be buried under tonnes of rubble, rescue teams are racing against time to reach those trapped inside the nearly 40-50-year-old structure.

Witnesses estimated that as many as 30 to 40 people could be trapped under the debris, although authorities are yet to confirm the figure. The collapse occurred around 1.30 pm while construction work was reportedly underway in the basement, raising questions over the building’s condition and the work being carried out inside it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and said authorities were working at the site and assisting those affected. “The collapse of a building at Satya Niketan, Delhi is distressing. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Authorities are working at the site and assisting those affected in the mishap,” the PMO India said in a post on X.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the AIIMS Trauma Centre and spoke with doctors and health officials to take stock of the condition of people who were rescued from the Satya Niketan building collapse site. Gupta also assured that strict action would be taken over the incident, saying, “No one will be spared.”