Delhi student hostel collapses, dozens feared trapped

September 6, 2026 at 07:07 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

A five-storey student hostel collapsed in Delhi's Satya Niketan neighbourhood on Sunday, leaving dozens feared trapped. At least one person was killed and two others are in critical condition, with six rescued so far. Rescue operations continue as authorities evacuate an adjacent building as a precaution.

Key Facts

The collapse occurred around 13:30 local time (08:00 GMT) on Sunday at Hostel Daze in Satya Niketan, near Delhi University.
At least one person was killed and two others are in critical condition, according to NDTV citing local police.
Six people have been rescued so far, while 30–50 people are feared trapped under the rubble.
Construction work was underway in the basement of the building at the time of the collapse.
Delhi Police said the building was only 40–50 years old, and a nearby shop owner claimed it was under a 100-year lease with basement excavation to increase income.

Collapse and Rescue

The five-storey Hostel Daze building in Satya Niketan collapsed around 13:30 local time on Sunday. Eyewitnesses told local media that as many as 50 people were inside at the time, many of them students in their rooms because there were no lessons on Sunday. At least one person was killed and two others are in critical condition, NDTV reported citing local police. Six people have been rescued so far, and a legislative assembly member said some trapped students had been making calls from under the rubble. Fire officials said two more people were seriously injured, and 30–40 people are believed to be trapped under the debris.

Building Condition and Investigation

Construction work was going on in the basement of the building at the time of the collapse. Delhi Police said the building was only 40 or 50 years old. The owner of a nearby shop told ANI that the building was under a 100-year lease and the leaseholder had undertaken excavation work in the basement to increase income. The shop owner said the upper building was strengthened but the pillars below were weak, and that construction workers were also buried. Police are searching for the owner of the building, Times of India reported.

Official Response

Chief Minister of Delhi Rekha Gupta said an adjacent building had been evacuated as a precautionary measure. Gupta added that every possible effort is being made to safely rescue those trapped. The National Students' Union of India called on the government to investigate the cause of the collapse and hold anyone responsible to account. Delhi Police said the exact number of people trapped or injured is not yet known and will be disclosed as information is confirmed.