Bhiwandi building collapse: 8 killed, several feared trapped as four-storey structure crashes down in Thane
Bhiwandi (Maharashtra): At least eight persons lost their lives after a four-storey residential building collapsed in Bhiwandi, located in Maharashtra's Thane district, late Thursday night. Rescue teams are continuing operations at the site. Officials are fearing that four to five persons may still be trapped beneath the debris.
According to district officials, the incident took place around 11.30 pm when a section of the Kohinoor Building in Balaji Nagar suddenly gave way, burying several residents under the rubble.
Also Read | 'Sorry, mummy, main aise ja rahi hoon...': Dehradun teacher ends life, emotional video surfaces; husband and in-laws booked for harassment
Resident Deputy Collector Sandeep Mane said eight bodies have been recovered so far, while rescue workers are still searching for survivors. "The bodies have been sent to a government hospital for a post-mortem examination. Around four to five persons are believed to be trapped under the debris and rescue efforts are underway," he said.
Officials are racing against time to clear the rubble and locate anyone who may still be alive.
Among those rescued from the collapsed structure was an injured minor, who was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet shared details about the child's condition.
Officials said residents noticed loud cracking noises coming from the building at around 9 pm, nearly two and a half hours before the collapse. Alarmed by the unusual sounds, local residents helped evacuate several families from the building. However, while some occupants were still trying to leave, the building's 'B' wing suddenly collapsed, trapping several people inside.
The timely evacuation reportedly helped prevent an even bigger tragedy.
A large-scale rescue operation is being carried out by multiple agencies. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Thane Disaster Response Force (TDRF), local fire brigade and other emergency services are working together to search through the debris.
The rescue operation is being supported by a dog squad, four fire engines, two ambulances and heavy earth-moving equipment to speed up debris removal.
Officials said this latest building collapse has pushed the number of deaths linked to rain-related incidents in Thane district during the current monsoon season to at least 27. Around 20 people have also been injured in separate monsoon-related incidents across the district.
- With inputs from agencies
