Rescue teams continued operations for a second day at the site of a collapsed hostel building in Delhi’s Satya Niketan, where seven people have died and 12 have been rescued.

The five-storey building, used as a private boys’ paying guest accommodation, collapsed on Sunday afternoon near Delhi University’s South Campus. Several students and other occupants were inside the building when it came down.

Rescue operation continued through the night

The rescue effort became particularly challenging after responders discovered that the collapsed building shared a wall with a neighbouring girls’ hostel.

At one stage, rescuers believed people could still be trapped beneath the debris. However, moving large quantities of rubble too quickly risked putting additional pressure on the adjoining structure.

NDRF personnel therefore worked carefully through the night, assessing the debris and the stability of the neighbouring building before removing material. The narrow lanes around Satya Niketan also made it difficult for heavy rescue equipment to reach the site.

Seven deaths confirmed

The death toll rose to seven on Monday. A total of 12 people have been rescued from the debris, according to the latest reports.

Those rescued were taken to the JPN Apex Trauma Centre at AIIMS for treatment. Several victims were reported to have sustained serious injuries.

What caused the building to collapse?

The exact cause of the collapse remains under investigation.

The building was around five storeys and decades old. Reports indicate that repair work and excavation in the basement were underway around the time of the collapse.

Investigators are examining whether the work may have weakened the building's foundation. Residents also reportedly raised concerns about cracks and the condition of structures in the area.

Authorities have not yet established a final cause, and any conclusions about structural negligence will depend on the ongoing investigation.

FIR registered against owner

Delhi Police has registered an FIR against the building owner, Hari Ram, and other persons under provisions relating to culpable homicide, negligence in maintaining a structure and endangering public safety.

A lookout notice has also reportedly been issued as police continue efforts to locate the owner.

Safety concerns grow in Satya Niketan

The collapse has renewed concerns over the safety of private hostels and paying guest accommodations in Satya Niketan, one of the major student-housing hubs near Delhi University’s South Campus.

The area has numerous PGs and hostels catering to students because of its proximity to colleges and public transport. The tragedy has raised questions about structural inspections, building permissions and safety standards for student accommodation.

Following the collapse, authorities have also begun taking action against structures considered unsafe in the surrounding area.

Students displaced after collapse

The incident has also affected students living in nearby PGs and hostels. Some buildings were evacuated as a precaution, while colleges in the area stepped in to provide temporary accommodation, food and other assistance to displaced students.

Investigation continues

As rescue operations continue, authorities are focusing on two priorities: determining whether anyone remains trapped and establishing why the building collapsed.

The incident has also intensified calls for stricter inspections of old buildings being used as hostels and PG accommodations.

For families waiting for information about missing students, the overnight rescue operation has been a race against time — made even more difficult by the danger that moving the rubble too aggressively could trigger another collapse.