New Delhi: A horrific accident suddenly occurred in Satya Niketan, south-west area of the capital Delhi, on Sunday afternoon, when a four-storey paying guest (PG) building collapsed like a house of cards. There were 25 to 30 students present inside the building when the accident occurred around 1.30 pm. This sudden incident created chaos in the entire area and a thick cloud of dust spread all around. As soon as the information was received, 8 vehicles of the fire department, Delhi Police and NDRF relief teams reached the spot and quickly started the work of removing the debris. As a precautionary measure, the administration has also evacuated other nearby buildings so that no further untoward incident happens.
earthquake-like explosion
The incident happened so suddenly that initially it seemed as if a strong earthquake had occurred. An eyewitness from a nearby shop told that when they ran outside after hearing the loud thunder, the entire building in front had been razed to the ground.
Painful sounds of 'save-save' were coming from the students buried under the debris. Nearby shopkeepers and local residents immediately started removing the debris and taking people out.
Local people engaged in removing debris with their hands
Even before the emergency teams could arrive, local citizens displayed indomitable courage and started removing pieces of concrete with their hands. With this help, initially four to five students were taken out safely, who were still breathing. He was immediately admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Later NDRF and police forces took charge and cordoned off the entire area. With the help of cranes and state-of-the-art equipment, more than 15 people still trapped inside the debris are being searched. At present the top priority is to safely rescue every life buried under the debris.
surrounding buildings empty
Since this area of Satya Niketan is adjacent to the South Campus of Delhi University, a large number of outside students live in hostels and PGs here. This accident has once again raised serious questions on the construction standards of illegally running hostels and dilapidated buildings in narrow residential areas. As a precautionary measure, the administration has also evacuated other nearby buildings so that no further untoward incident happens. At present the top priority is to safely rescue every life buried under the debris.