A five-storey building being used as a private hostel collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area on Sunday afternoon, leaving six people dead and several others injured or trapped under the debris. The building, located opposite Sri Venkateswara College near Dhaula Kuan, housed students and others in paying guest accommodation.
A CCTV video captured the building collapsing within seconds, with a large section of the structure suddenly giving way and concrete and debris spreading across the area. Several vehicles parked near the building were also damaged.
A CCTV video has surfaced showing the moment a five-storey building used as a private hostel collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan on Sunday afternoon, leaving at least five people dead and several others trapped under the debris.https://t.co/vW1w6OxxEX pic.twitter.com/DYe55nHfLf
— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) September 7, 2026
Rescue Operation After Building Collapse
The collapse was reported at around 1:34 pm after police received a PCR call about a building near Nanakpura Gurdwara collapsing. At least eight fire tenders were sent to the spot, while teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services, SDRF and other agencies joined the rescue operation.
Rescue teams continued searching for survivors late into the night. Ten people rescued from the rubble were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, with seven initially reported to be in critical condition.
According to AIIMS, 11 patients were admitted to the JPN Apex Trauma Centre following the collapse. Five were brought dead, while one critically injured patient later died from their injuries, taking the death toll to six. Three patients remained hospitalised and were receiving treatment. One patient underwent limb surgery, while another with minor injuries was discharged after observation.
Rescuers faced difficulties using heavy machinery because moving the debris could potentially endanger people trapped underneath. Teams therefore removed portions of the rubble manually and proceeded cautiously while searching for survivors.
Basement Excavation Under Scanner
Police are investigating whether renovation work contributed to the collapse. Officials said renovation work was being carried out on the ground floor, while sources also alleged that excavation was underway in the basement.
The alleged basement excavation has raised concerns that the work may have weakened the building’s foundation. Several vehicles were damaged by falling debris, while officials also assessed the condition of surrounding structures to ensure the safety of rescue workers.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the collapse site and later went to the AIIMS Trauma Centre. She said preliminary information suggested that basement excavation had affected the structure and that a pillar had shifted before the building collapsed.
Police Investigation
Police have registered an FIR under Sections 105, 290 and 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The provisions relate to culpable homicide, negligence in the construction or repair of buildings and acts that endanger human life.
Multiple police teams have been formed to investigate the incident, including the alleged role of the building owner and others connected with the property. The circumstances surrounding the collapse, including the renovation and alleged basement excavation, remain under investigation.
