Delhi building collapse: Death toll rises to six, 11 rescued from debris in Satya Niketan - thehindu.com

**Delhi Building Collapse Claims Six Lives, 11 Rescued in Satya Niketan**

A four‑storey paying‑guest (PG) hostel in the Satya Niketan neighbourhood of Delhi collapsed early on Thursday, killing six residents and leaving dozens trapped under the rubble. Rescue teams from the Delhi Fire Service, National Disaster Response Force and local volunteers worked through the night, pulling 11 survivors out of the debris and transporting them to nearby hospitals for treatment. Among the rescued was a final‑year engineering student whose desperate SOS video, recorded on his mobile phone, showed him wedged beneath a concrete slab and calling for help as rescuers cut through the wreckage.

Pre‑collapse investigations reveal that the 40‑year‑old building had undergone “illegal” structural modifications, including the addition of extra floors and the conversion of a water‑logged basement into a functional space. Residents had previously complained about persistent dampness and cracks, but municipal officials allegedly dismissed the warnings as routine wear and tear. The Delhi Urban Development Authority (DUDA) has now confirmed that the building lacked the necessary approvals for its current layout and that the unauthorized work likely compromised the integrity of the foundation.

The tragedy has reignited long‑standing concerns over the city’s enforcement of building‑safety norms, especially after similar incidents such as the 2023 Saidulajab collapse. Civic officials have pledged a city‑wide audit of aging structures and stricter penalties for illegal construction, while opposition parties and resident groups demand an independent inquiry into alleged “wilful apathy” by local authorities. As families mourn the loss of loved ones, the incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive monitoring and swift remedial action to prevent further loss of life.

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