Survivor Recalls Terrifying Moment of Delhi Building Collapse
Incident Overview
New Delhi: Following the tragic building collapse in Satya Niketan, a student named Nitesh Chhib has shared his harrowing experience of the incident. The 19-year-old, who is in his second year of B.Com at Delhi University, was inside the building when it fell. After sustaining injuries, he was rescued from the debris and taken to the hospital.
Lunch Break Interrupted by Strange Noise
According to Nitesh's brother, he was having lunch when he heard an unusual sound resembling water gushing from a tap. Initially, he thought it was nothing serious, but the noise intensified shortly after.
Concerned about the sound, Nitesh headed towards his friend Neeraj's room. Sensing something was wrong, they decided to make their way to the stairs. Unfortunately, before they could reach the ground floor, the building collapsed, trapping them under the rubble.
Trapped for Hours
Reports indicate that rescue teams managed to extract Nitesh from the debris after approximately three hours. He was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment. Nitesh is now able to communicate and has recounted the events that transpired. His friend Neeraj also suffered injuries and is currently hospitalized.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
On Sunday afternoon, a five-story student residential building in Satya Niketan collapsed. In the aftermath, police, fire services, and disaster relief teams launched extensive rescue operations. Reports confirm that seven individuals lost their lives, while several others were rescued from the wreckage.
Concerns Over Building Safety
The incident has raised serious questions regarding the building's age, construction quality, and adherence to safety standards. Some reports suggest that the building was old and had undergone recent construction or repair work. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident and announced new measures to ensure the safety of older and public-use buildings in Delhi.
Emphasis on Safety Inspections
In response to the tragedy, the Delhi government has emphasized the need for structural audits of older buildings and safety inspections of public facilities such as student housing. This incident has reignited a critical discussion about the structural integrity of older buildings and compliance with construction regulations in the capital.
Nitesh's account paints a vivid picture of the last moments before the collapse, transforming an ordinary afternoon into a scene of chaos and destruction.