Mumbai, 31 July (HS): Nine people died as a four-storey residential building

collapses last night in Balaji Nagar, Gangaramwadi in Bhiwandi of Thane

district. Many others are suspected to be buried under the debris. Rescue

operation has been started.

Deputy

Collector of Thane Sandip Mane stated that the efforts to establish identities

of the deceased is progress. Their bodies have been sent to Indira Gandhi

Hospital.

The Fire

Brigade faced problems in initiating the rescue operations due to very narrow approach

lanes. An old chawl was required to be removed to reach the ill-fated building.

Besides teams from National Disaster response Force and unit in Thane, Fire

Brigade started the rescue operation. A dog squad, four fire tenders, two

ambulances and earthmovers were also deployed.

Joint

Municipal Commissioner of Bhiwandi Arvind Ghogre said the ill-fated Kohinoor

Apartment was constructed in 2012. The building was declared dangerous earlier

and the municipal authorities had issued a notice to that effect. Repair work

was in progress in one wing of the building. On Thursday evening around 6 pm

cracks were notices in the building and around 8 pm evacuation of building was

started. Some of them, however, failed to vacate the premises. The building

collapsed in the night.

The

survivors have been temporarily provided shelter in community hall and schools.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar