Building collapse in New Delhi kills 1 and traps dozens of others

NEW DELHI (AP) — A building collapsed in New Delhi on Sunday, killing at least one person and trapping dozens of others, officials said.

The five-story building, which housed a boys’ hostel, collapsed in Satya Niketan, a densely populated neighborhood known for its private student accommodations near a Delhi University campus.

Fire officer Abhilash Malik said about 30 to 40 people remained trapped in the rubble.

Lawmaker Anil Sharma said some people had been rescued and several others trapped inside were making phone calls for help while rescuers remained in contact with them.

Police, firefighters and crews from India’s disaster response agency searched the rubble as earthmovers cleared debris to help rescuers reach those trapped inside.

At least two people were hospitalized in critical condition, officials said.

The cause of the collapse was not immediately known.

Building collapses are a recurring hazard in parts of India during the June-to-September monsoon, when heavy or prolonged rain can weaken ageing structures.