The area is close to the heart of Delhi University's South Campus and has congested lanes lined with student hostels and eateries. Locals claimed the building was nearly 20 years old and construction work in the basement was on when the incident occurred at around 1.30 pm

According to Delhi Police, the building was around 40 to 50 years old and consisted of a basement and five upper floors. It was being used as a paying guest (PG) accommodation