Mumbai: Death toll rises in 90-year-old building collapse

Five people, including a woman, were killed and three others were injured after a three-storey building in Kamathipura area in south Mumbai collapsed on Saturday, civic officials said.

Rescue operations at the site where the building collapsed. Pic/Ajinkya Sawant

The building, which was over 90 years old, was under repair when it caved in at around 2 pm, the official said. "Four persons died on the spot, while one succumbed to his injuries during treatment," Chief Fire Officer Prabhat Rahangdale said.

The under-construction building is located in Kamathipura's Gully 14 near Grant Road railway station in Mumbai.

The fire brigade officials trying to rescue people trapped under the debris at the accident site. Pic/Suresh Karkera

Four people have been rescued and some are feared trapped under the debris. Two of the rescued have been taken to JJ Hospital and other two to Grant Medical Hospital. The condition of the other injured is said to be critical.

Many people are still feared trapped under the rubble, the Fire Brigade official said, adding the structure housed a beer bar and a factory, among others.

A fire official said, "We stopped the rescue operation after we confirmed that no one was trapped inside the debris. However, keeping in mind the dilapidated condition of the adjoining wall and the neighbouring building, we have kept two fire engines ready."

Eight fire engines and three ambulances were pressed into rescue operation, the official said.

Local MLA Amin Patel, who visited the spot, said an inquiry should be conducted into the incident. "Keeping the safety of people in mind, a nearby building has been evacuated and the residents are being shifted to a transit camp," Patel said.

Meanwhile, state BJP spokesperson Atul Shah alleged that there are over 500 illegal structures that have come up in the area. "We need to have an inquiry on such illegal structures. There has to be a proper development plan for Kamathipura, for which a micro survey needs to be done," he said.

When contacted, police said an inquiry into the matter was on, but no FIR has been registered against anyone in this connection so far.