A landslide in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area claimed three lives early Wednesday, while several people are feared trapped under the debris, prompting a major rescue operation. The incident occurred at around 3:48 am at Gaushiya Chawl in Chirag Nagar, where a portion of a hillside collapsed onto residential structures. Rescue teams have been working through the rubble to locate and evacuate anyone who may still be trapped.

According to information shared by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's Mumbai Fire Brigade, the collapse affected two to three houses and initially raised concerns that five to six people could be buried under the debris. Officials said specialised victim-detection cameras are being used during the search operation to identify possible signs of life beneath the rubble. Teams are proceeding carefully as they clear the debris and assess the affected structures.

Rescue and relief operations are being conducted by personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police and the National Disaster Response Force. Police officials said the exact number of people still trapped could not immediately be confirmed, although three to four people were suspected to remain beneath the debris. The bodies of those who died have been shifted to a hospital for further procedures, while police are expected to carry out the necessary legal formalities and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Two injured people were also rescued and taken to hospital for treatment. They were identified as 18-year-old Sohel Ansari, who sustained a head injury, and 14-year-old Mohamad Ansari, who suffered a back injury. Officials said both were in stable condition. Rescue personnel continued their search at the site as authorities worked to determine whether additional residents were trapped beneath the collapsed earth and debris.

BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde and Additional Municipal Commissioner for the Eastern Suburbs Avinash Dhakne visited the affected area in Ghatkopar following the landslide. Tawde announced financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the incident. The assistance is to be provided through the District Collector's Office, according to the information available from the authorities.

The landslide comes amid continued concerns over the safety of settlements located near vulnerable slopes and hillocks in Mumbai during periods of heavy rainfall. Authorities are continuing the rescue operation at Gaushiya Chawl, with specialised equipment being deployed to search the debris and establish whether anyone remains trapped. Further details, including the confirmed number of casualties and the status of missing residents, are expected as the operation progresses.

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