Watch Video: Eyewitness Recounts Cries for Help After Building Collapse Near Delhi's Satya Niketan
A building collapse in Delhi 's Satya Niketan area on Sunday afternoon triggered a frantic rescue operation, with several people, including children, feared trapped beneath the debris.
The incident took place near Shiv Mandir, where people nearby rushed towards the site after hearing a powerful rumbling noise. An eyewitness said the collapse was followed by thick dust and smoke.
“We were sitting inside the shop when we suddenly heard a sound, like the rumble of an earthquake. We rushed out immediately. There was a lot of smoke and dust, and the entire building had collapsed,” he said.
“There are at least 25-30 children. There was a boys' PG and a girls' PG nearby. Four-five people have been rescued and two-three bodies have been recovered. More are likely to be found,” he said.
Rescuers reportedly managed to pull several children out alive. However, the situation remained tense as voices could still be heard from underneath the debris.
“Sounds are still coming from within the rubble — children are crying out, ‘Save us, save us!’” he said.
Construction and renovation work was reportedly taking place inside the building. According to the eyewitness, workers were carrying out work linked to a basement and rental space on the ground floor.
He further alleged that changes made during the renovation may have weakened the lower portion of the structure. He claimed the upper part had been strengthened while the pillars below remained weak. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Multiple specialised units, including Search and Rescue and Breathing Apparatus teams, were deployed. Water Bowser units were also sent to the spot as rescue personnel continued working at the site.
BJP MLA from RK Puram Anil Kumar Sharma also reached the location. He said students staying in the nearby PGs were among those feared trapped and confirmed that two children had been rescued and shifted to hospital.
According to the MLA, some people beneath the rubble were able to make phone calls, giving rescuers possible clues about their locations.
The search and rescue operation remains in progress as teams continue looking for survivors trapped under the collapsed building.
The incident took place near Shiv Mandir, where people nearby rushed towards the site after hearing a powerful rumbling noise. An eyewitness said the collapse was followed by thick dust and smoke.
“We were sitting inside the shop when we suddenly heard a sound, like the rumble of an earthquake. We rushed out immediately. There was a lot of smoke and dust, and the entire building had collapsed,” he said.
Children among those feared trapped
An eyewitness claimed that around 25-30 children could have been in the area when the building collapsed. Paying guest accommodations for boys and girls were reportedly located nearby.“There are at least 25-30 children. There was a boys' PG and a girls' PG nearby. Four-five people have been rescued and two-three bodies have been recovered. More are likely to be found,” he said.
Rescuers reportedly managed to pull several children out alive. However, the situation remained tense as voices could still be heard from underneath the debris.
“Sounds are still coming from within the rubble — children are crying out, ‘Save us, save us!’” he said.
Workers and vendors may also be trapped
People working at the site at the time of the incident were also feared to be beneath the collapsed structure. The eyewitness said labourers and fruit vendors could be among those trapped.Construction and renovation work was reportedly taking place inside the building. According to the eyewitness, workers were carrying out work linked to a basement and rental space on the ground floor.
He further alleged that changes made during the renovation may have weakened the lower portion of the structure. He claimed the upper part had been strengthened while the pillars below remained weak. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Rescue operation continues
The Delhi Fire Services received information about the collapse at around 1.33pm. Emergency teams arrived at the location around 1.50pm and immediately started searching through the debris.Multiple specialised units, including Search and Rescue and Breathing Apparatus teams, were deployed. Water Bowser units were also sent to the spot as rescue personnel continued working at the site.
BJP MLA from RK Puram Anil Kumar Sharma also reached the location. He said students staying in the nearby PGs were among those feared trapped and confirmed that two children had been rescued and shifted to hospital.
According to the MLA, some people beneath the rubble were able to make phone calls, giving rescuers possible clues about their locations.
The search and rescue operation remains in progress as teams continue looking for survivors trapped under the collapsed building.
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