CCTV captures shocking moment of PG collapse in Delhi's Satya Niketan: Top updates as search continues on Day 2

A day after a five-storey building collapsed in southwest Delhi's Satya Niketan, killing at least six people, fresh CCTV footage captured the moment the structure suddenly came down, with a shopkeeper narrowly escaping the falling debris.

As the rescue and search operation continues on the second day, Monday, at least 12 people have been rescued so far, news agency PTI reported.

The building that collapsed on 6 September was a five-storey boys’ paying-guest accommodation called ‘Hostel Daze’. The incident occurred at around 1:30 pm while repair work was underway.

Following the incident, several agencies, including the Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Service, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), have been carrying out rescue operations through the night.

Here are the top updates in the Delhi building collapse case:

1. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi issued a statement saying that 11 patients were admitted to the JPN Apex Trauma Centre. The statement read, “Out of the 11 patients, five were brought dead, while one patient who was in critical condition later succumbed to his injuries; three patients have been admitted and are being treated. One patient underwent limb surgery. One patient had sustained a minor injury and was discharged after observation.”
2. Following the incident, the Delhi government issued directives to immediately seal illegal five-storey buildings across the city. According to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's office, the move comes as part of a broader safety crackdown. The civic body has also vowed to take strict action against officials found responsible for approving such structures. Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi, in a post on X, wrote, "The culprits of the Satya Niketan building incident in Delhi will not be spared under any circumstances." Wahi added, “All illegal constructions with more than four floors will be immediately sealed, and strict action will be taken against the guilty officials, leading to their immediate dismissal.”

3. Rekha Gupta on Monday revisited the collapse site to review safety measures and the ongoing search operations. According to the CMO, an FIR has also been registered against the building's owner. The government has also directed authorities to conduct detailed inspections of nearby paying-guest (PG) accommodations and other buildings, with properties found to violate norms to be sealed. The CM said the safety of Delhi residents would not be compromised and warned that those responsible for negligence would be held accountable. The administration has also placed iron jacks to support buildings located near the collapse site.

4. Commenting on the building collapse, Gupta said, "Approximately 80% of the debris has been cleared; only the rubble from the basement remains. It is certain that there was water in the basement, and the accumulation of water -- combined with ongoing repair work on the old structure -- caused the building to collapse. So far, 12 people have been recovered; six have died, while the other six are in stable condition."

5. Following the incident, Delhi Traffic Police also issued an advisory, stating that traffic movement has been affected on several routes as relief operations continue at the site. In a post on X, the traffic police wrote, “TRAFFIC ALERT | SATYA NIKETAN Following a building collapse at Satya Niketan Market, South Campus, rescue and relief operations are underway. Emergency teams are working at the spot. Traffic movement is affected on routes from Safdarjung Hospital towards Dhaula Kuan, RTR, and Benito Juarez Marg AVOID THESE STRETCHES, IF POSSIBLE. Use alternate routes and follow the directions of traffic personnel. Please do not stop, park, or crowd near the incident site. Keep the way clear for ambulances and rescue vehicles. Your cooperation can help save lives.”

The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of buildings being used as PG accommodations and the enforcement of construction and fire safety norms in densely populated areas of the national capital.

(with agency inputs)