Bhiwandi building collapse: Six killed, many feared trapped

At least six people have died after a four-storey residential building collapsed in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi late on Thursday night, with several others feared trapped beneath the debris as rescue teams continue operations. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as search efforts progress.

The collapse occurred at around 11.30 pm in the Balaji Nagar area of Bhiwandi in Thane district. According to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), at least three to four people are still feared trapped, and rescue operations are continuing.

Officials said the building had started tilting earlier in the night, prompting several labourers and residents to evacuate after noticing signs of structural instability. Repair work was reportedly underway at the time of the collapse, which is believed to have reduced the number of occupants inside the building.

Fire officials said seven to eight people are believed to remain trapped beneath the collapsed structure. During the operation, NDRF personnel recovered bodies from the debris and rescued a woman alive, who was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital. Her condition is reported to be stable.

The building is believed to have housed around 45 rooms, with survivors estimating that between 25 and 30 people were inside when the structure gave way.

Several survivors described hearing loud cracking noises moments before the collapse. Deepak Kumar Yadav said he and others had gone to sleep after dinner when they were jolted awake by a loud sound and escaped by jumping from the first floor.

Another survivor, Abhay Kumar Yadav, said there was no clear escape route once the building began collapsing, forcing him to leap from the first floor, resulting in a fractured leg. He said local residents later brought a ladder to help others climb to safety.

Neha Singh, who is searching for her missing husband, said he had stepped downstairs shortly before the collapse and has not been found since. She said his phone continues to ring, raising hopes that he may still be alive beneath the debris.

Rescue operations involving the NDRF, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local fire services and civic authorities have continued through the night. Heavy machinery, including JCB excavators, has been deployed to clear the debris, though officials said the volume of rubble has slowed the operation.

Authorities said rescue efforts will continue until all those feared trapped have been accounted for.

With IANS inputs