South Delhi building collapse: Kerala students among those staying at PG, residents say

New Delhi: Kerala students were among those staying at a paying guest (PG) accommodation in a five-storey building that collapsed in South Delhi’s Satya Niketan area on Sunday, according to residents quoted by PTI.

However, Mathrubhumi English could not independently verify whether any Kerala students were inside the building when it collapsed or whether any were trapped under the debris.

Residents said the building, identified as Hostel Daze, housed several students and that rescue operations were underway after the structure came down on Sunday afternoon.

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A local resident, Rajen Chhetri, who works with the Delhi Police, said the building had around 15 rooms, with two to three students sharing each. He said most of the students staying there were from Kerala, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

"Most of the students staying here are from Kerala, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and study mainly at Motilal Nehru College, Atma Ram Sanatan Dharm College and Sri Venkateswara College. They were paying around Rs 12,000 per bed," Chhetri said.

Another resident also claimed that many of the students staying at the PG were from Kerala.

"Most of the students staying in the PG were from Kerala, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, another resident claimed, adding that many of those trapped were believed to be from Kerala."

According to PTI, around 30 to 50 students could be trapped under the debris, with some reportedly calling for help on their phones. Rescue teams were working at the site and several people had been pulled out from the rubble.

BJP MLA Anil Sharma, who reached the site, said many people were still trapped.

"We are even getting calls from those who are trapped inside. Teams are continuously in touch with those who are trapped inside; we pray to god that all people are safe," he said.

A resident said the building appeared to have been undergoing construction or repair work in the basement before the collapse.

"Most of the students staying here are from Keralam, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and study mainly at Motilal Nehru College, Atma Ram Sanatan Dharm College and Sri Venkateswara College. They were paying around Rs 12,000 per bed," Chhetri said.

The resident further claimed that water had accumulated in the basement and that the foundation was weak.

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"I have been living here for the last 20 years. Some construction work was going on in the basement, where water had started accumulating. The foundation was also extremely weak," he said.

Police said a PCR call was received at South Campus police station at 1.34 pm, following which eight fire tenders and multiple rescue teams were rushed to the spot.

The rescue operation was continuing, while the identities and whereabouts of those who may have been trapped were yet to be independently confirmed.