Satya Niketan building collapse: students turn to phones to look for missing friends

While 12 people were located and rescued from the rubble after the Satya Niketan building collapse, a search continued till late on Sunday night for several others whose whereabouts remained unknown, with friends and families awaiting information. 

Students across Delhi University (DU) shared names and photographs and made calls to trace missing friends. Sagar of Motilal Nehru College sought help tracing two friends who lived in the collapsed paying guest (PG) accommodation. 

Students from nearby colleges also joined rescue efforts, helping remove bricks and debris before heavy machinery arrived. They later formed a human chain with the police to clear the road for earthmovers. 

At Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus Metro station, around 400 metres from the collapse site, Saavy, DU president of the All India Students’ Association, scrolled through WhatsApp messages about missing students. 

‘Sharing names, photos’

“We have already received eight such requests. People are calling and sending photographs and names of people who are missing. We have been receiving these messages on our helpline numbers,” she said. 

One message read, “He is my friend who lives in the PG that collapsed. His phone is switched off, and I have no information about him… please, if anyone gets any information about him, kindly message me.” 

Students video-called friends, asking them to search the rubble and surrounding areas and sharing photographs to help trace those missing. Requests came from families unable to contact loved ones. 

Conflicting information was circulating about Yuvraj, with college authorities saying he was safe with his family in Madhya Pradesh, while others claimed he had died. 

“We are trying to contact Yuvraj,” said Unnayan, another student involved in the efforts. 

Aditya and Pawan Kumar were among the other names being circulated. 

Those seeking information were asked to contact Nirali at 9974945558, Saavy at 9871751355 or Arpit at 8887731669.