NEW DELHI —A five-storey building used as student accommodation collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area on Sunday afternoon, killing at least three people and leaving several others injured or potentially trapped beneath the rubble, according to multiple reports published as the rescue operation continued.

The building, located near Delhi University’s South Campus, reportedly collapsed at around 1:30 p.m. Emergency teams rushed to the congested neighbourhood after receiving reports of the structural failure. The building had a basement and five upper floors and was being used as paying-guest accommodation for students and other residents.

Rescuers initially pulled several people from the wreckage, with those suffering serious injuries taken to hospitals including the AIIMS Trauma Centre. Official casualty figures changed as the operation progressed, with later reports putting the death toll at three.

The exact number of people who were inside the building when it collapsed remained uncertain. Local residents and witnesses reported that dozens could have been inside, while authorities continued checking accommodation records and searching the debris to establish the number of missing people.

Rescue operation continues

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Response Force, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, MCD and other emergency agencies joined the rescue effort. Heavy machinery was deployed to remove sections of the collapsed structure, but teams have had to work carefully because of the possibility that survivors could still be underneath the debris.

Witnesses described hearing a loud rumbling sound immediately before the structure came down. Some people at the scene reported hearing calls for help from beneath the rubble, adding urgency to the search operation.

Basement work under scrutiny

Officials are examining whether construction or repair activity inside the basement contributed to the collapse. Reports said work was underway in the lower portion of the building when it gave way.

A senior official cited by The New Indian Express also raised the possibility of unauthorised excavation work inside the structure. However, authorities have not yet announced a final cause, and an investigation is expected to determine whether structural weaknesses, construction activity or other factors played a role.

The building’s age has also attracted attention. Local reports described it as an older structure, while the surrounding Satya Niketan neighbourhood is known for housing large numbers of students and young professionals.

Government orders investigation

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said multiple agencies were working together on the rescue operation and assured affected families that assistance was being provided. Authorities have also moved toward investigating the circumstances that led to the collapse.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of ageing buildings in densely populated parts of Delhi, particularly properties being used as student hostels and paying-guest accommodation.

For families waiting for information, the immediate priority remains locating anyone still trapped. Rescue teams are continuing to clear the debris while hospitals treat those who were pulled out alive.

The final casualty count and the number of people who may have been inside the building could change as the search progresses. Authorities are expected to provide further updates once the rescue operation and verification of occupants are completed.