NEW DELHI, September 7, 2026: A five-storey building being used as a boys’ paying guest accommodation collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area on Sunday afternoon, killing six people and leaving several others injured. Rescue operations entered their second day on Monday as teams searched through the rubble for anyone still trapped.
The building, located near Delhi University’s South Campus, reportedly collapsed at around 1:30 pm on September 6 while repair or construction work was underway in the basement. Officials have not yet established the definitive cause of the collapse, although authorities are examining the building’s condition and the work being carried out there.
Six Dead, 11 Rescued
According to officials cited in Monday’s updates, 11 people have been rescued from the debris. The death toll rose to six after another body was recovered during overnight rescue operations. Search teams continued working through the debris on Monday, with authorities also investigating whether anyone remained unaccounted for.
The National Disaster Response Force and other emergency agencies have deployed specialised equipment, including life-detection devices and a dog squad, as the search continues. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site on Monday to review the rescue operation.
FIR Against Building Owner
Police have registered an FIR naming the owner of the PG accommodation, while authorities have begun examining possible violations connected with the property. Reports said police teams were searching for the owner, identified as Hariram Bansal.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has also ordered action against illegal constructions of more than four floors following the tragedy. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the collapse.
Adjacent Building Also Raises Safety Concerns
Officials have raised concerns about an adjoining structure considered unsafe, with authorities ordering action including demolition, according to Monday’s reports. The development has intensified questions over structural safety and enforcement in the densely populated student neighbourhood.
The collapse has also triggered political reactions. ABVP members protested at the MCD headquarters, demanding accountability over building-safety enforcement and calling for action against officials responsible for lapses.
Students Offered Emergency Shelter
The tragedy has affected students living in the area. Several Delhi University colleges have opened their campuses to provide temporary shelter and food to students displaced by the incident.
Authorities are continuing the rescue and investigation operations, while the exact circumstances that caused the five-storey structure to collapse remain under investigation.