Six people, included minors died and six others were severely injured after a portion of a building collapsed in Maharashtra’s Kalyan.
The incident happened in Kalyan East area, where a portion of a 35-year-old building, Saptashrungi, collapsed after a slab from the second floor of the four-storey building suddenly gave way and fell straight to the ground floor.
The structure was reportedly undergoing repair work when the slab collapsed “like a stack of cards,” causing panic in the area.
Locals immediately called the police and fire brigade following the collapse. Rescue operations were launched promptly by the fire department, TDRF personnel, police, local representatives, and volunteers.
Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) Commissioner Abhinav Goyal confirming the incident said that the rescue teams from the fire department, Thane Disaster Response Force personnel, police, local representatives, and volunteers arrived at the spot.
“12 people were rescued from the building, but unfortunately six of them died,” the commissioner said.
The operation, which lasted nearly four hours, managed to pull out trapped people from the debris, of which 6 died. The injured were rushed to Rukmanibai hospital.
“A notice has been issued to all the resident that they should get a structural audit of their building as part of precautionary measure ahead of monsoon and rectify the issues. Evacuation should be done where needed so that casualties can be prevented,” the commissioner told reporters.
The deceased have been identified as Pramila Sahu (58), Sunita Sahu (37), Sujata Padhi (32), Sushila Gujar (78), and Venkata Chavan (42). Those injured in the collapse include Aruna Rohidas Girnarayan (48), Vinayak Manoj Padhi (45), Yash Kshirsagar (13), Nikhil Kharat (27), and three minors.
Six injured, including three minors, were seriously injured and are undergoing treatment. Their condition is critical as per the information received.
The incident has once again sparked concerns over the condition of poorly maintained buildings and the authorities’ negligence.