Delhi Building Collapse: Chief Minister Vows Strict Action, Two Dead
New Delhi — Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site of a building collapse in Satya Niketan Colony, near Delhi University's South Campus, on Sunday as rescue teams worked to search the debris for people who may still be trapped. The collapse occurred in the Satya Niketan area of South-West Delhi, a residential locality.
According to the Delhi Chief Minister's office (CMO), Gupta reached the site soon after being informed about the incident and reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief operations with senior officials. She directed the agencies involved to make every possible effort to safely evacuate those trapped and ensure there was no lapse in the rescue operation.
Multiple agencies, including the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS), and Civil Defence, have been deployed at the site. The agencies are working in coordination as rescue efforts continue. As a precautionary measure, the building next to the collapsed structure has also been evacuated.
Speaking to reporters, Gupta said 11 people had been rescued after the collapse. "11 people have been rescued. I am going to the hospital. We need to understand the condition of all those who have been rescued. I can say this much: whoever is responsible for this, whether it is the building owner or an official, will not be spared," she said.
Two people were killed in the collapse, authorities said. According to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, seven people were brought there and one person was brought to Safdarjung Hospital. Of those brought to AIIMS, two were declared brought dead.
Providing details about the preliminary cause, Gupta said renovation and excavation work was underway in the old building when a pillar shifted. "The building was old, and some construction and renovation work was underway. Some kind of excavation was being carried out in the basement, due to which a pillar shifted and the entire building collapsed," she added.
The Chief Minister said the building was being used as paying guest accommodation and that children were inside when it collapsed. "The building was being used as a PG (Paying Guest), and children were inside. All agencies are continuously working," she said.
Gupta has ordered action against those responsible for the incident, including the registration of an FIR against the owner of the house. She directed officials to take strict action against anyone found negligent, saying the safety and health of Delhi residents remain the government's top priority.
The Chief Minister has remained in contact with the Regional District Magistrate, Delhi Police, NDRF and other officials for regular updates. She also spoke to local MP Bansuri Swaraj and RK Puram MLA Anil Sharma, who reached the spot and took stock of the rescue operation.
Gupta later visited the AIIMS Trauma Centre to check on those injured in the collapse. She met doctors and sought an update on the condition and treatment of the injured students and other victims. The injured are currently being treated at AIIMS, with doctors providing necessary medical care. Gupta instructed the medical team to ensure that all required treatment and assistance are made available.
The Delhi government is in touch with the families of the injured and has assured them of necessary support.
Rescue operations by the NDRF and local authorities continued at the site to ascertain whether anyone else remained trapped under the debris, with Gupta saying, "Our priority is to save the lives of these children first. The rescue operation will continue in the same manner. All officials are present here, and there will be no shortage of any kind. However, the guilty will not be spared."