Tragic Building Collapse in Bhivandi Claims Nine Lives
Building Collapse in Bhivandi
In Bhivandi, Maharashtra, a four-story building deemed 'dangerous' by local authorities collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least nine individuals, with fears that two to three more may be trapped under the debris. Officials reported that a section of the Kohinoor building in the Balaji Nagar area fell at approximately 11:20 PM on Thursday. The municipal authorities had previously classified the structure as 'dangerous' and were conducting repair work in the vicinity.
Government Response
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his sorrow over the incident, instructing 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, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences for the loss of life and announced a compensation of ₹200,000 for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Previous Warnings Ignored
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 repairs. The municipal commissioner ordered strict punitive and criminal action against the contractor involved in the illegal repairs.
Rescue Operations Underway
Maharashtra's Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan confirmed that nine fatalities have been reported, and search and rescue operations are ongoing at the site. An official stated that the building contained 48 rooms, with 12 on each floor. Residents reported hearing loud cracking noises around 9 PM on Thursday night.
Community Efforts and Personal Accounts
Local residents acted quickly to help evacuate several families, but as some were escaping, the 'B' wing of the building suddenly collapsed. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Thane Disaster Response Force, and local fire department teams are conducting extensive rescue operations. Heavy machinery, including JCBs, is being used to clear debris, while NDRF personnel search for survivors in narrow gaps with flashlights. The community is in deep mourning, with one survivor expressing gratitude to God for her rescue from the 'mouth of death.'
Survivors Share Their Stories
One woman recounted being trapped in mud and debris, hearing her parents calling for her just a few feet away. She stated, 'I was screaming with all my might, but the rubble swallowed my voice.' After hours of being trapped, rescue teams finally pulled her out alive. Another resident, holding her child, looked in disbelief at the site where her second-floor home once stood, reflecting on how a neighbor's invitation to stay with them saved their lives.
Investigation and Future Safety Measures
Authorities have identified five of the deceased: Shamim Sheikh (32), Ranjit Singh (45), Miraj Rasool Sheikh (34), Santosh Kumar Pandey (42), and Shamim Ansari (30). Chief Minister Fadnavis described the incident as tragic and directed the municipal commissioner to take immediate action against those responsible. Deputy Chief Minister Shinde confirmed that efforts to rescue those trapped in the debris are still ongoing, and temporary accommodations have been arranged for displaced residents.
Ongoing Risks in Bhivandi
The BNCMC stated that the building was declared dangerous, and property owners were first notified to submit a structural audit report on September 7, 2020. A reminder notice was sent on April 22, 2022, and due to non-compliance, an evacuation notice was issued on June 5, 2026. Despite the warnings, property owners began unauthorized structural repairs. The mayor of Bhivandi, Narayan Chaudhary, mentioned that there are at least 130 to 140 buildings in the area that have been classified as extremely dangerous and need immediate evacuation.