At least 16 people are feared trapped after a building collapsed in Maharashtra’s Pimpri Chinchwad on Wednesday, officials said. The incident occurred amid heavy rainfall across several parts of the state, including Pune and Mumbai, raising concerns over the impact of rain-triggered accidents and structural damage. According to Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi, the collapsed structure was located inside the premises of a legacy waste dumping yard.

The building was being used as an administrative office by a private company involved in waste processing operations on behalf of the civic body. Officials said the collapse occurred after a large mound of accumulated waste adjacent to the building became unstable due to continuous rainfall and fell onto the structure. “The administrative building was situated next to a mountain-like pile of legacy waste.  Prima facie, it appears that due to heavy rains, the waste mound became loose and collapsed on top of the building,” Commissioner Suryawanshi said.

Rescue teams were rushed to the site following reports that several people may have been trapped inside the collapsed structure. Authorities are carrying out search and rescue operations while assessing the extent of damage caused by the collapse. The incident comes as Maharashtra has been witnessing intense monsoon activity, with heavy showers affecting daily life in several urban areas.

Also Read: Kerala’s Wayanad Tunnel Site Suffers Landslide, Rescue Teams Search For Trapped Workers

Continuous rainfall has increased the risk of landslides, waterlogging and structural failures, particularly in areas with vulnerable infrastructure or unstable terrain. The legacy waste dumping yard where the incident took place has been under focus due to the challenges associated with managing old waste deposits. Such waste mounds can become unstable during periods of heavy rain, increasing the possibility of collapses if proper safety measures are not maintained. Municipal authorities are monitoring the situation and coordinating rescue efforts at the site.

Further details about casualties, the condition of those trapped and the exact cause of the collapse are expected as rescue operations progress. The Pimpri Chinchwad civic administration has also been assessing safety conditions at the location to prevent further risks during the ongoing monsoon season. Officials have urged residents and workers in vulnerable areas to remain cautious as heavy rainfall continues across parts of Maharashtra.

Also Read: Kolkata Warehouse Collapse Turns Deadlier as Rescue Teams Race Against Time