A devastating tragedy struck Palghar, Maharashtra, as the death toll from the collapse of an allegedly unauthorized four-storey building, Ramabai Apartment, in Virar rose to 17 after rescue teams recovered two additional bodies on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The catastrophic incident, which occurred at 12:05 AM on Wednesday in Vijay Nagar, has left the community reeling and raised urgent questions about building safety and unchecked construction in the region.
The collapse occurred during a one-year-old girl’s birthday celebration on the fourth floor, turning a moment of joy into unimaginable horror. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with 12 flats in one wing of the 50-flat structure crumbling “like a pack of cards,” trapping residents and party guests under debris. Tragically, the young girl whose birthday was being celebrated is among the deceased, according to Palghar District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar.
Vivekanand Kadam, Chief of the Disaster Management Cell of Palghar District, confirmed that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and fire department are working tirelessly to clear the rubble and ensure no additional victims remain trapped. “Two more bodies have been located, and teams are carefully extricating them,” Kadam said, noting that their identities are yet to be confirmed. The operation, nearing completion, is being conducted with precision to avoid further risks.
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The Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) reported that six injured survivors are receiving treatment in nearby hospitals. The VVMC has labeled the building “illegal,” prompting outrage among locals who accuse both the builder and authorities of negligence. The builder has been arrested following a complaint lodged by the VVMC, and an investigation is underway to determine how such an unauthorized structure was allowed to house dozens of families.
Residents expressed shock, noting that unlike previous building collapses, no visible cracks or structural weaknesses served as warning signs. “People were dancing and celebrating when the entire structure just collapsed,” a survivor recounted, highlighting the suddenness of the disaster. The collapse onto an adjacent vacant tenement mitigated further casualties, but the incident has fueled demands for accountability.
Among the 17 victims, authorities have identified 15: Govind Singh Ravat (28), Shubhangi Pawan Saheni (40), Kashish Pawan Saheni (35), Deepak Singh Behra (25), Sonali Rupesh Tejam (41), Harish Singh Bisht (34), Sachin Nevalkar (40), Deepesh Soni (41), and seven others identified earlier. The community mourns the loss of these lives, with families and neighbors grappling with grief and anger.
The VVMC has taken swift action to support affected families, relocating them to Chandansar Samajmandir, where they are receiving food, water, medical care, and other essentials. As a precaution, surrounding chawls have been evacuated, with residents moved to safer locations. The 2012-constructed Ramabai Apartment, located in a congested area, posed challenges for debris removal due to limited access for heavy machinery, delaying initial rescue efforts.
Local residents and activists are calling for a thorough probe into the proliferation of unauthorized constructions in Palghar, criticizing what they describe as “lethargy and negligence” by authorities. The incident has sparked broader concerns about lax building regulations and oversight in rapidly urbanizing areas near Mumbai.
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on supporting survivors and preventing future tragedies. “We are committed to ensuring no one else is trapped and that affected families receive all necessary assistance,” said VVMC assistant commissioner Gilson Gonsalves. The Palghar administration has promised a detailed investigation to hold those responsible accountable and to address systemic issues in construction safety.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated buildings, leaving a grieving community to demand justice and stricter enforcement of safety standards.
Also Read: Building Collapse in Vasai, Palghar Kills Two