Six people were killed and six injured after a five-storey building collapsed in Delhi's Satya Niketan area on Sunday. The building used as guest accommodation also had a basement repair work was underway at the time of the collapse.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said preliminary findings suggest water accumulation in the basement, combined with repair work on the 50-year-old structure, caused a pillar to weaken, bringing the entire building down. She said 80% of the debris had been cleared with 12 people recovered so far six dead and six in stable condition.
Gupta said the government was supporting victims' families and ensuring proper medical care also adding that the situation was being monitored by the Union Health Minister, Home Minister and Prime Minister's office.
In response, authorities ordered an FIR against the building's owner and directed action against any municipal officials found negligent. Gupta also ordered the immediate sealing of buildings with a fifth floor and inspections of nearby guest houses and structures.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has issued a demolition order for the collapsed building under the DMC Act with declaring it dangerous and ruinous. A neighbouring 40–50-year-old building has also been evacuated and marked for demolition though rescue teams say clearing debris safely remains difficult due to its unstable condition.
Officials have urged commuters to avoid the area and asked the public not to gather near the site to allow emergency vehicles unobstructed access.
