Building Collapse in South Delhi Raises Concerns as Congress Demands Accountability

New Delhi, September 6 (Daily Kiran) : A four-story building in the Satya Niketan area of South Delhi collapsed on Sunday, trapping several students beneath the debris. The structure was reportedly being used as a paying guest accommodation, housing many students from Delhi University. According to the Delhi Fire Service, four individuals have been rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.

The Congress party expressed deep sorrow over the incident, labeling it as unfortunate. In a post on the social media platform X, they highlighted the collapse near the South Campus of Delhi University, emphasizing that many students were believed to be trapped.

Congress has called for immediate rescue operations, urging the government to act swiftly to save those buried under the rubble. Deepender Hooda, a Congress leader, described the incident as tragic, noting that similar incidents had occurred in the past in the same area. He confirmed that three children had been rescued from the debris and criticized the dilapidated conditions of the paying guest accommodations and hostels in the vicinity.

Hooda questioned the accountability of local authorities, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi government, regarding the safety standards of these buildings. He expressed concern over the delayed response of police and ambulances, stating that this was not the first such incident in the area.

Local residents reported that the collapse occurred between 11:30 and 11:45 AM. One resident mentioned that many students, including women, were trapped inside. Another estimated that around 20 to 30 people might still be inside the building.

A student, Aastha Kumari, recounted hearing a loud noise before the arrival of ambulances. She criticized the lack of safety measures, pointing out the absence of emergency exits in the building. “This area is a hub for students. There should be safety protocols in place,” she remarked.

As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of students and preventing future tragedies of this nature.