New Delhi: Seven people have died and 12 people have been rescued after a five storey building used as a boys' paying guest accommodation collapsed in Satya Niketan in southwest New Delhi, with rescue teams continuing to search the debris on Monday.
The building collapsed at about 1:30 pm on Sunday while repair work was underway. It was located near Delhi University's South Campus, in an area known for student accommodation.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force, Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police and other emergency agencies continued rescue operations through the night and into Monday. Heavy equipment and trained search teams were being used to clear the rubble and look for anyone who might still be trapped.
The National Disaster Response Force said there was no confirmed figure for how many people could still be under the debris. Officials have therefore not given a final number of people who were inside the building when it collapsed.
The death toll rose during the rescue operation. Earlier reports had put the number of deaths at six, but the latest figure from Delhi authorities is seven. Twelve people have been rescued from the debris.
The building had a basement and several floors above ground and had been used as a paying guest accommodation for students. Reports from civic officials said the structure was several decades old.
Authorities are investigating what caused the building to collapse. Repair work was reportedly being carried out in the building before the incident. Officials are also examining whether water accumulation in the basement, seepage from heavy rain or structural work may have contributed to the collapse.
The exact cause has not yet been established.
A senior Municipal Corporation of Delhi official said preliminary assessments found that the building did not have a sanctioned building plan and that construction work in the basement was unauthorised. Officials are also examining whether the building exceeded permitted height limits and whether other construction rules were violated.
These findings are part of the ongoing investigation and do not by themselves establish the precise cause of the collapse.
Delhi Police have registered a case against the building owner and others. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the repair and construction work and are seeking people connected with the property.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site on Monday to review the rescue operation. She also met injured people at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and said strict action would be taken against those found responsible.
The Delhi government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the collapse.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has also taken action following the incident. Five MCD officials from the South Zone have been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings.
The civic body has ordered immediate action against unauthorised structures with more than four floors. Officials found responsible for negligence in allowing unauthorised construction could face disciplinary action.
Authorities have also taken action at an adjoining building after finding it to be in a dangerous condition. The building was vacated and an order was issued for its demolition. Residents were being moved to a nearby community facility as a safety measure.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of older buildings being used as paying guest accommodation in areas around Delhi's universities.
Satya Niketan has a large student population because of its proximity to Delhi University's South Campus. Many residential properties in the area have been converted into accommodation for students over the years.
The Delhi government has said it plans to introduce regular structural audits and safety certificates for buildings used for public purposes, including student accommodation, schools and nursing homes.
The measures are intended to identify unsafe structures and improve enforcement of building safety rules.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of those who died and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
For now, rescue teams remain focused on clearing the remaining debris and checking the collapsed structure. Investigators are examining the building's condition, the repair work being carried out and possible construction violations as authorities try to determine why the building collapsed.
The final cause of the collapse and whether anyone else remains trapped will become clearer as the rescue operation and investigation continue.