A tragic building collapse in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area has claimed six lives, while 11 people have been rescued from the debris, officials said.

The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when a nearly 50-year-old multi-storey building, being used as a boys’ paying guest accommodation near Delhi University’s South Campus, collapsed during ongoing repair work.

The building reportedly collapsed at around 1:30 pm, trapping several people under the rubble. The collapse triggered a massive rescue operation involving the Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Service, NDRF and other emergency agencies.

Rescue teams used heavy equipment to clear the debris and search for survivors.

According to officials, 11 people were pulled out alive, while the death toll later rose to six as more victims succumbed to their injuries.

The exact number of people present inside the building at the time of the collapse was initially unclear, with authorities continuing efforts to determine whether anyone else remained trapped.

The building was reportedly undergoing repair work in the basement when the structure gave way. Questions have been raised over the safety and legality of the building, which was being used as student accommodation in the densely populated Satya Niketan area.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, while an FIR was registered against the building owner.

Authorities have also begun examining nearby structures and construction practices in the area following the tragedy.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns over structural safety, illegal construction and inadequate monitoring of PG accommodations, particularly in areas around Delhi’s major educational institutions.