Tragic Building Collapse in Bhivandi Claims Nine Lives
Building Collapse in Bhivandi
In Bhivandi, Maharashtra, a four-story building collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least nine individuals, with fears that two to three more may still be trapped under the debris. Officials reported that a section of the Kohinoor building, located in the Balaji Nagar area, fell around 11:30 PM on Thursday. The local authorities had previously labeled the structure as 'dangerous' and were conducting repair work in the vicinity.
Government Response and Relief Measures
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life in this incident and announced a compensation of two lakh rupees for the families of the deceased and fifty thousand rupees for the injured. Amit Sanap, the sub-divisional officer of Bhivandi, informed that four individuals sustained injuries, while there are concerns that two to three people remain trapped beneath the rubble. Maharashtra's Disaster Management Minister, Girish Mahajan, confirmed that nine fatalities have been recorded due to the building's collapse.
Ongoing Rescue Operations
Rescue operations are actively underway at the site. After visiting the location, Mahajan emphasized the need for the Urban Development Department, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, to address the rampant issue of illegal constructions in Bhivandi. He raised concerns about how many unauthorized buildings have been granted permission in the area, asserting that many residents are living in cramped conditions.
Survivor Accounts and Community Impact
A woman who survived the disaster expressed her gratitude to God for saving her from what she described as 'the jaws of death.' She recounted being trapped in mud and debris, with her parents calling out for her just a few feet away. Despite her desperate cries, the rubble muffled her voice, and she remained buried for hours until rescuers found her alive. Another resident lamented that despite warnings about inadequate repairs, the building's maintenance was neglected, leading to this tragic event.
Community Response and Future Precautions
The mayor of Bhivandi, Narayan Chaudhary, urged residents to vacate buildings deemed 'dangerous' to prevent further loss of life. He noted that there are approximately 130 to 140 such structures in Bhivandi that require immediate evacuation. Temporary relief camps have been set up in schools and community buildings for the affected families. Chaudhary mentioned that local officials acted quickly to evacuate around 150 individuals when the building began to show signs of distress, although 10 to 12 residents remained trapped inside.