Tragic Collapse of Delhi PG Building Claims Lives of Students
A building collapse in Delhi's Satya Niketan has left seven dead, including five students, raising urgent safety concerns.
Seven individuals, including five students, died in the collapse of a PG building in Delhi.
Survivor Nitesh Chib shared his harrowing experience and called for stricter safety regulations.
The building's owners allegedly ignored structural weaknesses to add extra floors for rental income.
On Sunday afternoon, a tragic incident unfolded in Delhi's Satya Niketan area when a PG building collapsed, resulting in the deaths of seven people, including five students. Among the survivors was Nitesh Chib, a second-year B.Com student at Delhi University, who was trapped under the rubble along with a friend. They were rescued after approximately an hour and a half, with Chib recounting the terrifying moments as the building crumbled around them.
Chib described the chaos that ensued after the collapse, noting that his friend managed to send their location via WhatsApp, which prompted friends to alert rescue teams. Upon their extraction, both were found injured and in shock, with Chib recalling, "My whole body was numb. I could not feel anything. I realised I was bleeding." He later regained consciousness in the hospital, grappling with the physical and emotional aftermath of the disaster.
The building, which appeared structurally sound from the outside, had been undergoing basement work for over a week prior to the collapse. Chib expressed disbelief that the structure could be so weak, emphasizing the lack of visible signs of danger. In light of this tragedy, he urged the government to enforce safety regulations more rigorously and conduct regular inspections of such buildings, as many students rely on these accommodations while studying in the city.
The incident has raised serious concerns about building safety regulations in Delhi, particularly regarding PG accommodations. The FIR filed against the owners, Hariram Bansal and his brother, alleges that they were aware of the building's inadequate foundation yet proceeded to construct four additional floors to maximize rental income. This decision reportedly compromised the building's structural integrity, leading to the catastrophic collapse.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and preventing future tragedies. The local government is under pressure to implement stricter building codes and safety inspections, particularly in areas housing students. The community mourns the loss of life while advocating for immediate reforms to protect residents in similar situations.
