At least six people were killed and six others injured when a five-storey building collapsed in New Delhi’s Satya Niketan neighbourhood. Rescue teams recovered at least 12 people while using excavators and sniffer dogs to search the remaining debris.
The approximately 55-year-old building was being used as a boys’ hostel. Residents said it had reopened to students in August even though renovation work was incomplete. Preliminary findings indicate that construction activity and accumulated water in the basement may have weakened the structure, but the official investigation is continuing.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government intends to introduce periodic structural inspections and safety certification for student residences, schools, nursing homes and other buildings used by the public.
Why it matters: The deaths have highlighted the risks associated with aging buildings being used for student accommodation without adequate structural oversight.
