Tragic Building Collapse in Bhivandi Claims Lives and Sparks Rescue Efforts

Building Collapse in Bhivandi: A Devastating Incident

In Bhivandi, Maharashtra, a four-story building that had been labeled 'dangerous' by local authorities collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least ten individuals and leaving three others injured. Rescue operations are underway as fears grow that three more people may be trapped under the rubble. The incident occurred around 11:20 PM on Thursday at the Kohinoor Building located in the Balaji Nagar area, approximately 50 kilometers from Mumbai.

Officials from the municipal corporation had previously classified the structure as 'dangerous' and were conducting repair work on the premises. A coordinated rescue operation is being carried out by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Thane Disaster Response Force, and the local fire department. Resources deployed for the rescue include a dog squad, four fire engines, two ambulances, and heavy machinery for debris removal.

An official reported that the building contained a total of 48 rooms, with 12 rooms on each floor. Residents reported hearing loud cracking noises around 9 PM on Thursday night. Sensing danger, local residents quickly assisted several families in evacuating to safer locations, but as some were exiting, the 'B' wing of the building suddenly collapsed.

The Bhivandi-Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) had declared the building 'dangerous' back in September 2020 and issued an evacuation notice on June 5 of this year, cutting off electricity and water supply. Despite this, property owners began unauthorized repair work without municipal approval. The municipal commissioner has ordered strict punitive and criminal action against the contractor involved in the illegal repairs.

Maharashtra's Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan visited the site and announced financial assistance of five lakh rupees to the families of the deceased. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences over the incident and instructed officials to file a case and take strict action against those responsible. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde noted that the collapse occurred during ongoing repair work.

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their sorrow over the incident. Murmu posted on social media, stating, 'The news of the building collapse in Bhivandi, Maharashtra, resulting in loss of life is extremely tragic. I extend my condolences to the bereaved families. I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured.'

Prime Minister Modi also expressed deep sorrow over the incident, announcing a compensation of two lakh rupees for the families of the deceased and fifty thousand rupees for the injured. He posted, 'I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of lives due to the building collapse in Thane, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the grieving families during this tragic time. I wish for the quick recovery of the injured.'

One survivor, struggling to hold back tears, thanked God for saving her from 'the jaws of death.' She recounted being trapped in mud and debris, just feet away from her parents who were calling her name in desperation. 'I was screaming with all my might, but the debris swallowed my voice,' she said. 'I was buried in that mud for hours before the rescue team found me alive.'

The woman claimed that despite repeated warnings from residents, proper repairs were not conducted on the building. 'We warned them not to repair it this way, but they ignored us, and this horrific incident occurred,' she lamented. Another woman, holding her child close, looked in disbelief at the spot where her second-floor home once stood.

She shared, 'My husband, our two daughters, and I lived on the second floor. When cracks began to appear in our section of the building, a neighbor invited us to stay with them. That one decision saved our lives. Otherwise, we would have been buried alive under this concrete mountain. We have lost everything—our home, our belongings. Our entire life has been shattered.'

Many families affected by the collapse now have nothing left but the clothes on their backs.

Authorities have identified five of the deceased as Shamim Sheikh (32), Ranjit Singh (45), Miraj Rasool Sheikh (34), Santosh Kumar Pandey (42), and Shamim Ansari (30). Chief Minister Fadnavis stated, 'The incident in Bhivandi, which claimed several lives, is extremely tragic. The municipal commissioner has been instructed to file a case and take strict action against those responsible.' He also noted that the injured are receiving medical treatment.

The BNCMC confirmed that the building had been declared dangerous and that a notice was first issued to property owners on September 7, 2020, to present a structural audit report. A reminder notice was sent on April 22, 2022. Due to ongoing non-compliance, the municipal corporation issued an evacuation notice on June 5, 2026.

Following this, electricity and water supplies were cut off, and families residing there were evacuated. However, according to the municipal corporation, property owners illegally commenced structural repairs. On July 30, 2026, a team led by the assistant municipal commissioner inspected the site and found severe structural instability.

The team promptly evacuated around 40 residents and workers present at the site. The municipal corporation reported that contractors and workers were instructed to cease repair work immediately, but they ignored these orders. Additionally, some residents refused to leave the building.

Bhivandi Mayor Narayan Chaudhary stated on Friday, 'There are at least 130 to 140 buildings in Bhivandi that have been declared 'extremely dangerous' and need to be evacuated immediately.'