Delhi Satya Niketan building collapse: CCTV captures five-storey hostel crashing down

The building, located opposite Sri Venkateswara College in the Dhaula Kuan area, housed students and others in paying guest accommodation. Ten people rescued from the rubble were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, with seven of them reported to be in critical condition, according to police. Rescue teams continued their search for survivors late into the night.

A CCTV video has surfaced showing the moment a five-storey building used as a private hostel collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan on Sunday afternoon, leaving at least five people dead and several others trapped under the debris.https://t.co/vW1w6OxxEX pic.twitter.com/DYe55nHfLf

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) September 7, 2026

The collapse was reported around 1.34 pm after a PCR call was received about a building near Nanakpura Gurdwara coming down. At least eight fire tenders were rushed to the spot, while teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services, SDRF and other agencies joined the rescue operation.

11 patients were admitted to the JPN Apex Trauma Centre after suffering injuries in the collapse of the Satya Niketan building, according to AIIMS. Three of the eleven patients have been hospitalised and are receiving treatment; five were brought dead, and one patient who was in critical condition eventually passed away from his wounds. One patient had surgery on a limb. After being observed, a patient with a minor injury was released from the hospital.

CCTV footage shows building collapse

The CCTV footage shows the building giving way within a matter of seconds, with a large section of the structure collapsing and debris spreading across the area. The video captures the sudden nature of the incident, as concrete and other material came crashing down, leaving little time for people in and around the building to react.

Video shows moment a five-storey building collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan on Sunday. Six people have died so far, while five others have been injured.#Delhi #SatyaNiketan #Delhibuildingcollapse pic.twitter.com/AmhjuKJidm

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) September 7, 2026

Several vehicles parked close to the structure were damaged after debris fell on them. The collapse also left people trapped underneath the rubble, prompting rescue agencies to begin a difficult and cautious search operation.

Rescuers faced challenges in using heavy machinery at the site because of the possibility that movement of the debris could put people trapped underneath at further risk. Teams therefore had to remove portions of the rubble manually and proceed carefully while searching for survivors.

The rescue operation continued for several hours as teams from different agencies worked together to clear the debris. Officials also remained at the site to assess the condition of the surrounding structures and ensure that rescue personnel could operate safely.

Renovation work under scanner

The circumstances surrounding the building collapse are now under investigation, with alleged renovation work at the premises coming under scrutiny. Police said renovation work was being carried out on the ground floor of the building. Sources said excavation was also allegedly being undertaken in the basement, raising concerns that the work may have weakened the foundation of the structure.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site following the collapse and later went to the AIIMS Trauma Centre. She said preliminary information suggested that excavation work in the basement had affected the structure. According to her, a pillar had shifted before the building came down.

The police have registered an FIR under Sections 105, 290 and 125(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The sections relate to culpable homicide, negligence in the construction or repair of buildings and acts that endanger human life. Police have formed multiple teams as part of the investigation and are looking into the role of the alleged owner and others connected with the building.