Building Collapses During Repair Work Near Mumbai, Five Dead And Many Trapped

Five people were killed and several others are feared trapped after a four-storey building collapsed in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi late Thursday night. The collapse occurred while repair work was being carried out at the structure, prompting a massive rescue operation in the Balaji Nagar area of the powerloom town. Officials said a portion of the Kohinoor Building collapsed around 11.30 pm, leaving residents trapped beneath the rubble and damaging a large section of the premises. According to civic officials, the building consisted of 48 rooms, with 12 rooms located on each floor.

The structure had already been declared dangerous by the municipal authorities due to concerns over its condition. Despite the warning, residents continued to occupy parts of the building, and repair activities were underway when the structure suddenly gave way. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse, including the nature of the repair work and whether safety guidelines were followed. The tragedy was preceded by warning signs that alerted residents about the deteriorating condition of the building. An official said occupants began hearing loud cracking sounds from the structure around 9 pm on Thursday.

Sensing danger, local residents immediately started helping families evacuate the building and moved several people to safer locations. However, before everyone could leave the premises, the 'B' wing of the building collapsed, trapping some occupants who were still inside or attempting to escape. Following the collapse, emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the site to carry out search and rescue operations. Personnel from local authorities, fire services and disaster management teams began clearing debris and searching for survivors.

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Officials said rescue efforts were continuing as teams carefully removed rubble to reach any individuals who may still be trapped beneath the collapsed structure. The incident has once again brought attention to the issue of unsafe and ageing buildings in densely populated areas of Maharashtra. Bhiwandi, located near Mumbai and known as a major powerloom centre, has several old residential structures that require regular maintenance and safety assessments. During the monsoon season, the risk of building collapses often increases due to heavy rainfall, water seepage and weakening structural foundations.

Civic authorities have repeatedly warned residents about occupying buildings classified as dangerous and have advised owners to undertake necessary repairs or redevelopment. However, challenges related to rehabilitation, redevelopment delays and housing shortages often make it difficult to completely vacate unsafe structures. The Bhiwandi collapse has renewed calls for stricter monitoring of old buildings and faster action against structures that pose risks to residents. The Maharashtra government and local administration are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident to determine the exact cause of the collapse and identify any lapses.

Investigators will examine whether the repair work contributed to the structural failure and whether permissions and safety measures were properly followed before the work began. As rescue operations continue, authorities have cordoned off the area and urged residents to stay away from the site to ensure the safety of emergency workers. Families of those missing are awaiting updates as rescue teams continue their efforts. The tragedy has sparked concerns over building safety standards and the urgent need for effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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