The death toll in the Bhiwandi building collapse in Maharashtra’s Thane district has risen to six after rescuers recovered another body from the debris of a partially collapsed four-storey building early on Friday morning.
The four-storey building partially collapsed late on Thursday night in Bhiwandi, triggering a large-scale rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Officials are yet to ascertain the exact cause of the collapse, and further details are awaited.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of people who were inside the building at the time of the incident. The structure comprised 48 rooms, 12 on each floor, municipal officials said. The building had been declared dangerous by the civic body. Tragedy struck while repair work was underway on the premises.
Around 9 p.m. on Thursday, residents heard ‘loud cracking sounds’ emanating from the structure, an official said. Fearing the worst, locals immediately helped evacuate many families to other locations. However, while some occupants were still making their way out, the ‘B’ wing of the building caved in, he said.
A major multi-agency rescue operation is underway, comprising teams from the National Disaster Response Force, Thane Disaster Response Force and local fire brigade. A dog squad, four fire engines, two ambulances, and heavy earth-moving machinery has been deployed at the site.
