2 buildings collapse after heavy rains in Mumbai, many feared trapped; rescue ops underway

Four fire engines and one rescue van has been sent to the spot and search operations are continuing.

Some people were feared trapped in two separate incidents of building collapse in Mumbai on Thursday. The incidents happened in Malad’s Malvani area and Fort area. Rescue operations are underway , according to officials.

A five-story building collapsed in Mumbai’s Fort area on Thursday afternoon. (ANI Photo)

A large portion of ground plus six storey residential structure collapsed in Fort area on Thursday afternoon. No injuries have been reported so far but some residents are said to be trapped under the debris.

The incident took place around 4.43 pm at Bhanushali building on Mint Road in Fort near Lucky House. Eight fire engines, two rescue vans and nearly 10 ambulances have been pressed into service.

A search operation is still in progress.

Prabhat Rahangdale, Chief Fire Officer, said, “People are trapped under the debris and some are stranded inside the remaining portion of the affected building. Search operation for trapped individuals is in progress.”

A senior civic official said, “The building was vacated by MHADA and repair work was in progress. Even though the building was vacated, some residents were still residing in it, disputing the eviction notice.”

Earlier in the day, at least four people were injured when a portion of a chawl collapsed in Malvani area on Mumbai on Thursday, fire brigade officials said, reports PTI.

According to the officials, five to six people were trapped under the debris. Of them, four were rescued and sent to hospitals after being provided first aid.

Four fire engines, a rescue van and ambulances were rushed to the spot.

Incessant moderate to heavy overnight showers that continued until 8:30 am on Thursday took the city’s rain output in the first 16 days of July to 1,024 millimetres (mm), which is 122% of its monthly average.

The city has also recorded its second-highest 24-hour rainfall since 2015.

There have been reports of waterlogging from many areas in the city. Slow traffic movement was reported from various parts of the city, including the Western Express Highway.

(With inputs from PTI)