‘Distressing’: PM Modi Condoles Deaths In Delhi Building Collapse, Prays For Injured

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed distress over the building collapse in Delhi's Satya Niketan, extending condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.

His reaction came as rescue teams continued operations at the five-storey building, which housed a boys' PG and had students inside when it collapsed. Reacting to the incident, PM Modi said the collapse was “distressing” and offered condolences to those who had lost family members.

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the mishap, while noting that authorities were working at the site and assisting people affected by the incident. The collapse of a building at Satya Niketan, Delhi is distressing.

Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Authorities are working at the site and assisting those affected in the mishap: PM @narendramodi Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta later visited the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where she spoke with doctors and health officials and took stock of those brought in after being rescued.

Gupta said 11 people had been rescued and stressed that the immediate priority was to save the students' lives. She said all agencies were working continuously and assured that there would be no shortage of resources during the operation.

The Chief Minister said the building was old and that construction and renovation work had been taking place. According to her, excavation in the basement may have caused a pillar to shift, triggering the collapse. She warned that those responsible would not be spared, whether the building owner or any official.

Residents of Satya Niketan meanwhile raised concerns over persistent waterlogging, unchecked construction and what they described as neglect by building owners and civic authorities. Locals said heavy rain over the previous two days had worsened waterlogging in the area.

They also claimed that basement repair and construction work was underway when the building collapsed. The area attracts students seeking affordable accommodation near Delhi University's South Campus. Residents alleged that many property owners live elsewhere and pay little attention to the condition of their buildings.

Locals also claimed that buildings are typically repainted before the academic session, making it difficult to identify structural deterioration. Vinita Bhat is a Chief Copy Editor at ABP Live English, with experience in TV and digital journalism.

She covers geopolitics, international conflicts, global current affairs and Kashmir. For tips and queries, write to vinitab@abpnetwork.com.