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New Delhi: At least nine people were rescued and three were declared brought dead following the collapse of a five-storey paying guest (PG) accommodation in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area, according to an update given by the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) at the rescue site.

The building, reportedly known as Hostel Daze, collapsed in the southwest Delhi locality on Sunday afternoon, triggering a large-scale rescue operation involving the Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Nine Rescued, Three Declared Brought Dead

According to the initial police update, nine people were pulled out from the collapsed structure and taken for medical treatment. Three of those rescued were declared brought dead.

The incident prompted emergency teams to immediately begin search and rescue operations as concerns remained over people who could still be trapped beneath the rubble.

The AIIMS Trauma Centre received several injured people following the incident, with some victims reported to be in critical condition.

Rescue Operation Intensified

Rescue teams deployed heavy machinery, including earthmovers, to clear the debris and reach possible survivors. Fire personnel and disaster-response teams were also involved in the operation.

Authorities were initially focused on locating and rescuing people believed to be trapped inside the collapsed structure. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site and said that rescuing those still trapped remained the administration’s top priority.

Gupta also assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible for the incident.

Construction Work Reportedly Underway

Preliminary reports indicated that construction or repair work was underway in the basement of the building when it collapsed.

Local residents also reportedly raised concerns about waterlogging in the basement and ongoing repair work. The exact cause of the structural failure, however, remains subject to investigation.

The building was being used as a boys’ PG accommodation and housed students, making the incident particularly concerning given the large number of young residents in the area.

FIR Against Building Owner

Following an initial assessment of the incident, authorities initiated legal action against the building owner. Delhi Police registered an FIR against building owner Hariram and others, while the Delhi government ordered a magisterial inquiry into the collapse.

The investigation is expected to examine the condition of the building, the legality of construction and repair work, and whether any safety regulations were violated.

Death Toll Later Rises

While the initial Additional DCP update reported three people declared brought dead, the death toll subsequently increased as rescue teams recovered more bodies from the debris.

By Monday, reports said the number of fatalities had risen to seven, with rescue operations continuing at the site.

The later increase in the death toll has intensified scrutiny of building safety standards and regulatory oversight of private PG accommodations in Delhi.

Student Safety Under Focus

The Satya Niketan incident has also raised broader concerns over the safety of accommodation used by students, particularly in areas surrounding Delhi University campuses.

Satya Niketan is a popular student residential area, and many students depend on privately operated PGs because of limited hostel capacity. The collapse has renewed calls for structural inspections, safety certifications and stricter monitoring of buildings being used for student accommodation.

Authorities are now expected to examine whether similar buildings in the area require safety audits to prevent another such tragedy.

As rescue operations and investigations continue, the focus remains on accounting for all those who were inside the building, providing medical assistance to survivors and determining responsibility for the collapse.