A tragic building collapse near the Saket metro station in south Delhi has claimed at least six lives, including that of a 28-year-old research aspirant, Kapil, who had been celebrating a positive interview outcome moments before the structure came down on Saturday evening. The incident occurred around 7:30 pm at a commercial complex on Western Marg in the Saidulajab area, reducing parts of the multi-storey structure and an adjoining tin-shed canteen to rubble.

According to eyewitness accounts and statements from relatives, Kapil and five of his friends had gathered at the canteen to mark what they believed was a successful interview for a position at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). The group, which included fellow engineering aspirants and students preparing for competitive examinations, was seated together when the building suddenly collapsed without warning.

The collapse is reported to have trapped multiple people under heavy debris, with rescue teams later recovering several bodies. Among the deceased was 23-year-old Nalin Ray, a BTech graduate from Bihar’s Nawada district, who had been preparing for the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). Family members said he had been in regular contact earlier in the day and was planning to return home during an upcoming break.

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Another victim identified by relatives was 24-year-old Ravi, who reportedly suffered severe injuries after an iron rod pierced his chest during the collapse. Kapil was also declared dead during treatment at the hospital, with doctors confirming that multiple victims sustained fatal head injuries due to falling debris.

Witnesses at the scene described hearing loud cracking sounds moments before the structure gave way, initially mistaking it for an earthquake. The building, which housed coaching institutes, cafes and offices, was reportedly undergoing construction on an upper floor at the time of the incident. Locals also claimed that initial rescue efforts were delayed, though some residents had already begun pulling out survivors before official teams arrived.

A multi-agency operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Disaster Management Authority, police, and local volunteers continued through the night to clear the debris and locate those trapped. Authorities have since launched an inquiry into the cause of the collapse, which remains under investigation.

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