Thane:
At least eight people were killed after a four-storey building collapsed in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, late Thursday night, officials said, with four to five persons still believed to be trapped under the rubble as rescue operations continued into Friday.
What Happened
A portion of the Kohinoor Building in the Balaji Nagar area of Bhiwandi, a powerloom town in Thane district, collapsed around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday. According to officials, residents heard loud cracking sounds emanating from the structure around 9 p.m., prompting locals to help evacuate several families to safety. However, while some occupants were still making their way out, the building’s ‘B’ wing caved in. An injured minor was rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital.
Building Had Been Declared Dangerous
Municipal officials said the structure, which comprised 48 rooms across four floors, had previously been declared dangerous by the civic body under its “Category C” classification. Although the building had reportedly been evacuated, tragedy struck while repair work was underway on the premises, raising questions about how the work was authorised and why occupants were still present despite the safety notices.
Rescue Operations Underway
Resident Deputy Collector Sandeep Mane confirmed that the bodies of the deceased had been sent to a government hospital for post-mortem examination, while search and rescue efforts continued for those still trapped. A major multi-agency operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Thane Disaster Response Force (TDRF), and local fire brigade personnel is underway, with a dog squad, four fire engines, two ambulances, and heavy earth-moving machinery deployed at the site.
Part of a Wider Monsoon Toll
Including this incident, at least 27 people have died and 20 have been injured in rain-related incidents in Thane district so far this monsoon season, according to officials.
Note: This is a developing story. The death toll and number of people trapped may change as rescue operations continue.
