Dozens feared trapped after building collapse in Delhi hostel

A building used as student housing has collapsed in New Delhi, with many residents believed to have been in their rooms at the time since no classes were held on Sunday.

A member of the local legislative assembly, speaking at the scene, said some trapped students had managed to make phone calls from beneath the rubble. Eyewitnesses told local media that a neighbouring building had also partially collapsed.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said an adjacent building had been evacuated as a precaution, adding that every effort was being made to rescue those trapped safely.

Delhi Police said the collapsed structure was between 40 and 50 years old. A nearby shop owner told news agency ANI that the building was held under a 100-year lease, and that the leaseholder had carried out excavation work in the basement to boost income. He said the upper floors had been reinforced, but the supporting pillars below had been left weak. Construction workers involved in that excavation were also reportedly buried in the collapse.

The National Students' Union of India called on authorities to investigate the cause of the collapse and hold those responsible accountable, warning that negligence endangering students and the public would not be tolerated. According to the Times of India, police are now searching for the building's owner.