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The nearly 50-year-old structure crumbled around 1:30 pm, killing at least five people and injuring several others. Authorities fear that 30–40 residents may still be trapped under the debris.

The PG housed around 15 rooms, each shared by two to three students, mostly from Kerala, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, pursuing higher education in Delhi. With rents averaging Rs 12,000 per bed, the building was a popular choice for students despite its aging infrastructure.

Rescue operations are being carried out by multi-agency teams including Delhi Police, Fire Services, NDRF, DDMA, and Civil Defence. At least 12 fire tenders and oxygen cylinders were deployed, though congested lanes slowed emergency access. Local residents also joined the rescue efforts, highlighting community solidarity amid chaos.

Political reactions were swift. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief and assured assistance. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited AIIMS Trauma Centre, promising strict action against negligence.

Delhi LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu directed agencies to coordinate closely, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah cut short a Goa event to monitor developments.

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal criticized the Delhi government for failing to ensure safety.

Police have filed an FIR against the building’s owner, Hariram Bansal, who is currently being traced. The collapse has reignited debates over unregulated PG accommodations and the urgent need for structural audits in Delhi’s student hubs.

As rescue operations continue, the tragedy underscores the vulnerability of students living in unsafe housing and the pressing demand for accountability in urban governance.