Bldg under construction in Belapur crashes, 2 killed

Two persons were killed when an under-construction four-storey building gave way and collapsed in CBD Belapur on Wednesday.

Two persons were killed when an under-construction four-storey building gave way and collapsed in CBD Belapur on Wednesday.

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The building, being constructed by Raju Deshpande, a local builder, had just been painted and construction was almost over. Fire brigade officials, the police and officials from the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) immediately began rescue operation.

Heavy duty Poclain machines were pressed into service and authorities had to brave the lashing rain to rescue the victims.

Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nahata said: “The building was being constructed by Deshpande, who has also constructed other structures in the area. Tenants were expected to move here next month. Had the building collapsed then, there would have been many more casualties.”

Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Administration) of NMMC Jagannath Sinnarkar said: “The two persons we pulled out were declared dead immediately.”

The deceased have been identified as Venkatesh Rathod (20), a resident of Gulbarga, who reportedly worked as a labourer at the site and Vijay (30), the building’s watchman.

A case of negligence has been registered against the builder.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) Ashok Dudhe said, “We will take action against those who are responsible.”

Officials said cement and iron rod samples have been sent for tests to see if they were of inferior quality. “If found to be of low quality, we will initiate further action against the builder,” added Sinnarkar.

Two vehicles, an autorickshaw and an omni car were crushed under the debris. Four stray dogs and a snake were also killed in the collapse.