Six people have died and eight others were injured after a multi-storey commercial building housing coaching centres, cafes and offices collapsed near Saket Metro Station in south Delhi, as rescue teams continued search operations more than 24 hours after the incident.
The building on Westend Marg in the Saidulajab area collapsed around 7.40 pm on Saturday, reducing the structure to rubble and trapping several people beneath the debris. Authorities said many of those affected were students preparing for competitive examinations, including the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE).
Five of the injured succumbed to their injuries at AIIMS, while another person died at Safdarjung Hospital, officials said. Five injured persons remain under treatment at AIIMS, while three have been discharged.
Police have registered an FIR under relevant sections, including culpable homicide, and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse. Teams have also been formed to trace and arrest the building owner.
According to an order issued by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's South Zone, Assistant Engineer (Building) Sudesh Singh Chouhan and Junior Engineer (Building) Aman Jain have been suspended over alleged lapses in supervision related to the structure.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site on Sunday and assured strict action against unauthorised constructions and officials found responsible for negligence. The inquiry will be conducted under the supervision of the South District Magistrate on the chief minister's directions.
Officials said the building, estimated to be between five and seven storeys high, housed a coaching institute, cafes and offices. Construction work was reportedly underway on the upper floor when the structure collapsed.
The area around Saket Metro Station is a major hub for students preparing for medical and engineering entrance examinations, as well as overseas medical licensing tests.
Search and rescue operations involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Delhi Police and Civil Defence personnel continued through Sunday.
"Heavy machinery, including Hydras, JCBs and Rotavators, has been deployed to expedite rescue efforts. Efforts are underway to ascertain whether more people remain trapped under the debris," officials said.
The deceased were identified as Ravi (24), Kapil (28), Nalin Ray (23), Alok, Parvati (35) and Ekta (24).
Authorities said a substantial portion of the debris fell onto an adjoining tin-shed canteen frequented by students preparing for competitive examinations. The canteen was run by Parvati Ojha, one of those killed in the incident.
The injured were identified as Kshitij Pratap (25), Neelam Yadav (25), Anuj Dixit (22), Tarun (25), Saika Khan (27), Aastha (26), Aditya Sharma (24) and Vishal (25). All were initially shifted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment.
According to a statement issued by the DDMA, an emergency call regarding the collapse was received at 7.40 pm on Saturday, following which a Quick Response Vehicle was dispatched and rescue operations were launched.
Officials said the building, spread across approximately 300-400 square yards, had completely collapsed. Initial information from local residents suggested that between 10 and 15 people could be trapped beneath the debris.
Authorities have initiated a detailed inquiry to determine whether structural weaknesses, ongoing construction activity or violations of building regulations contributed to the collapse. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Video footage circulating on social media appeared to show debris falling from the structure moments before the collapse. Within seconds, the building came crashing down, generating a massive dust cloud and triggering panic among people in the area.
Several victims were students and young professionals preparing for competitive examinations. Among them was 28-year-old Kapil, a Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) aspirant, who was at the canteen with friends after attending an interview. Another victim, Nalin Ray, a recent BTech graduate from Bihar, was preparing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).
Ekta, a 24-year-old Bachelor of Dental Surgery graduate from Rajasthan's Alwar district, was preparing for the FMGE examination scheduled for June 28. Her father told news agency PTI that she had appeared for a test earlier on Saturday and had spoken to family members before the tragedy.
The Saidulajab area, located near Saket Metro Station, is home to numerous libraries, hostels, coaching institutes and eateries that cater to hundred.
