Vasai Building Collapse: Residents Trapped, Death Toll Rises to 15
Unauthorized building collapse traps residents, kills 15.
The death toll from a building collapse in Maharashtra’s Palghar district has risen to 15, officials confirmed on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The unauthorized four-storey structure in Vijay Nagar, Virar, housing nearly 50 flats, crumbled in the early hours of Wednesday at 12:05 am, leaving a trail of devastation and loss.
The collapse occurred during a one-year-old girl’s birthday celebration on the fourth floor, where 12 flats in one wing of the building gave way, trapping residents and guests under a mass of debris. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as the structure, built without proper permissions, collapsed onto an adjacent vacant tenement, exacerbating the destruction.
Palghar District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar reported the updated death toll on Thursday morning after rescue teams recovered three additional bodies overnight. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local fire brigades and police, has been working tirelessly to clear the rubble and ensure no one remains trapped. Dr. Jakhar emphasized that rescue operations will continue until the site is fully cleared, as there are concerns that more victims could still be buried.
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The incident has raised serious questions about the safety of unauthorized constructions in the region, with locals pointing to lax regulations and oversight as contributing factors. The building, reportedly constructed without adhering to safety standards, housed dozens of families who now face unimaginable loss. Community members have expressed grief and anger, demanding accountability from local authorities and builders.
As rescue efforts persist, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and preventing further casualties. The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over Virar, with residents mourning the lives lost, including those celebrating a joyous occasion that turned deadly. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse, vowing to take action against those responsible for the illegal construction.
This catastrophic event underscores the urgent need for stricter building regulations and enforcement to protect lives in rapidly urbanizing areas like Palghar. For now, the community rallies together, hoping for no further additions to the already devastating death toll.
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