“My parents called me worried when this incident happened. I just moved to Delhi for college and this situation has scared me. I hope we are safe,” a first-year student from Shri Venkateshwara College told Newslaundry, requesting anonymity.

A resident of Bihar, she lives in one of the many paying guest accommodations in Satya Niketan, a locality popular with Delhi University students. On Sunday afternoon, a five-storey PG known as Hostel Daze collapsed, trapping several people inside and triggering a frantic rescue operation.

Construction or repair work was underway on the ground floor of the building when it collapsed, according to eyewitnesses. Chaos and panic unfolded in the area as students, residents, police and rescue personnel rushed to the site.

Apart from PG residents, construction workers are also feared to be trapped in rubble. At the time of writing this report, 10 had been pulled out, of whom five are dead, according to the police. Those rescued were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where they were stated to be in critical condition, officials said.

The exact number of those still trapped remained unclear. Several news reports put the number at around 20 to 25, while residents in Satya Niketan claimed that at least 40 people may have been affected. Since the collapse took place on a Sunday, when many students would have been inside their rooms, residents feared the toll could rise.

The Delhi Fire Services received a call about the collapse at around 1.33 pm. Rescue teams reached the site around 1.50 pm and began search operations. Multiple Delhi Fire Services and NDRF teams, including search and rescue and breathing apparatus units, were deployed, along with water bowser units. 

Residents, including students, also rushed to the spot and helped with the initial rescue effort. In their first reactions, students living in the area called ambulances........

© newslaundry