A tragic incident occurred in the powerloom city of Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, where a significant portion of a four-story building collapsed late Thursday night, while the incident took place in the Balaji Nagar area at approximately 11:30 PM. The structure, known as the Kohinoor Building, saw its B wing crumble, leading to a major rescue operation. According to initial reports, 3 people have lost their lives in the disaster, while 7 to 8 others are feared to be trapped under the heavy debris. The collapse triggered panic in the locality as residents rushed to help those affected.
Rescue Operations and Immediate Response
Following the collapse, the Fire Brigade and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were immediately dispatched to the site. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly through the night to locate survivors. In a successful effort, the NDRF team managed to pull a woman alive from the rubble, and she was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The search for the remaining individuals continues as heavy machinery and manual labor are being used to clear the wreckage. Local authorities have cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of bystanders and to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles.
Building Declared Dangerous by Authorities
The Kohinoor Building, located in the Bhandari Compound of the Narpoli area, had previously been identified as a hazardous structure by the Municipal Corporation. It was classified under Category-C, a designation given to buildings that are deemed dangerous and unfit for habitation, while while most families had already vacated the premises following the corporation's warnings, one family remained in the building. It's reported that they were carrying out some repair work when the collapse occurred. Laborers working on these repairs are also among those believed to be trapped under the debris.
Official Statements and Shelter Arrangements
The building consisted of 48 rooms in total, with 12 rooms situated on each of its 4 floors. Local residents played a crucial role in the immediate aftermath, helping several families move to safer locations just before the B wing gave way. Narayan Chaudhary, the Mayor of the Bhiwandi-Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC), stated that the entire administrative team is on-site. He confirmed that those rescued and displaced have been provided temporary shelter at the Gayatri Mandir-Gita Hall. He mentioned that information suggests about 6 or 7 workers were inside the building at the time of the incident.
Legislative Oversight and Safety Concerns
Mahesh Chougule, the MLA for Bhiwandi West, visited the site to oversee the rescue efforts. He noted that although the building was officially vacated due to its dangerous status, some individuals were still present on the ground floor for work, while he reiterated that the NDRF, police, and municipal teams are working in coordination to ensure every person is accounted for. The administration has urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading rumors while the official investigation into the cause of the collapse and the final casualty count is finalized.