Bhiwandi Building Collapse: Nine Dead, Several Feared Trapped as Rescue Operations Continue
BHIWANDI, MAHARASHTRA: At least nine people have died, while several others are feared trapped after a four-storey residential building collapsed late on Thursday night in the Balaji Nagar area of Bhiwandi in Maharashtra’s Thane district. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The incident occurred between 11:00 pm and 11:30 pm when ‘B Wing’ of the ground-plus-four Kohinoor Building suddenly collapsed, trapping several people beneath the concrete debris.
Rescue Teams Continue Search Operation
Multi-agency rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the local fire brigade, police, and other emergency services, immediately launched search and rescue operations.
So far, rescuers have recovered nine bodies from the rubble.
A minor boy was rescued alive and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. During the rescue operation, an NDRF Assistant Commandant also suffered minor injuries.
Building Was Declared Unsafe
Officials from the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC) said the 48-room Kohinoor Building had previously been declared unsafe and unfit for occupation due to its poor structural condition.
Electricity and other utility connections had reportedly been disconnected, while repair work was underway when the building collapsed.
Residents Heard Warning Signs
According to local residents, loud cracking sounds were heard from the building’s pillars between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Thursday.
Fearing the structure might collapse, neighbours helped evacuate many families from the building.
However, some residents reportedly returned inside to collect their belongings, while repair workers remained on the lower floors. They became trapped when the building suddenly gave way.
Rescue Operations Continue
Emergency teams are using:
- Heavy earth-moving machines
- Hydraulic rescue equipment
- Sniffer dog squads
to search through the collapsed structure.
Officials believe between five and eight people may still be trapped beneath the debris.
An NDRF spokesperson said rescue operations are continuing without interruption, while ambulances and emergency personnel remain stationed at the site.
Investigation Expected
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the collapse, including whether repair work on the already dangerous building followed proper safety procedures.
Emergency officials have urged residents to stay away from the area while rescue operations continue.
