Mumbai: Building collapse in Dongri leaves 14 dead, rescue operations on

Another 23 persons have been rescued so far, many of whom are injured seriously, and rescue work continues as some people are still trapped under the debris.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis last night announced a compensation of Rs 5,00,000 each to the kin of the deceased, Rs.50,000 to all injured. The state government will bear all their medical expenses, the Chief Minister said.

Today, Fadnavis has convened a high-level meeting of all departments concerned to discuss the building crash and pin responsibility.

Yesterday, Mr Fadnavis and the Maharashtra Housing & Area Development Authority (MHADA) have also announced separate probes into the tragedy.

Around 1130 hrs Tuesday, an illegal rear portion of the 80-year old Kesarbai Building suddenly crashed, burying at least 15 families who were living in the ground-plus-four storied structure.

Among those who have perished include the building’s caretaker Abdul Sattar Shaikh and his daughter-in-law Sabiya Nissar Shaikh besides three minors.

Kesarbai Building is located in one of the thickly populated area of south Mumbai, and rescue operations were hit with the narrow lanes, huge crowds of onlookers, VVIP movements and the media out in large numbers to cover the tragedy.

JCBs and heavy earth moving equipment could not reach the crash site, ambulances and rescue vehicles had to be parked more than 50 metres on bigger roads, making it one of the most challenging operations for the NDRF and other teams.
However, the local residents helped out by forming human chains to facilitate the relief work, removing the debris in bedsheets, curtains or old saris as time ticked away for those still under the debris.

Local Congress MLA Amin Patel expressed satisfaction over rescue efforts and said, 'We are expecting that by today evening, entire operation will be complete with the help of rescue teams and locals.' 

Image: UNI