Three storey building collapses in Bhiwandi; 6 dead, several trapped

Atleast five were reportedly dead and several others are feared trapped under debris as a three storey building collapsed in Bhiwandi on Sunday morning.

The ground plus two storey building is registered on the name of Kabir Seth. "It is suspected that around nine families with more than 40 people use to resides inside it. It is located at Gaibinagar famous for its powerlooms, around 35 kms north of Mumbai in Bhiwandi and narrow lanes in the area and heavy rain is leading problem with rescue operation," said a fire officials from BNMC.

The Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC) along with fire-brigade and locals are busy in the rescue operation. Due to heavy rains the rescue operation was getting delayed.

Vaishali Lambhate, Tehsildar, Bhiwandi who visited the spot said, "Six people are no more who came under the debris. Rescue operation os still going on and people who are stuck instead are been rescued. An hour ago we rescued a one-year-old kid who was stuck inside."

The building was declared dangerous by the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation in the past few months. "The authorities have declared the building as dangerous and asked the residents to vacant. Despite sending two notices to them, they were not ready to vacate," added Lambhate.

Rescue operations were underway, the official added.