Palghar: The death toll in the Vasai building collapse has climbed to 14, as search and rescue teams continue to work through the debris of the partially collapsed Ramabai Apartments in Palghar district.
The rear portion of the four-storey structure, situated between Chamunda Nagar and Vijay Nagar on Narangi Road, gave way on Tuesday evening, catching several residents by surprise. Dozens were trapped under the rubble, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local authorities and fire services, have been carrying out rescue operations through the night and into Wednesday. As of this morning, 14 bodies have been recovered. Officials fear the number could rise further as several people remain unaccounted for.
“We are focusing on locating survivors, but the structure’s instability is making it a very sensitive operation,” an NDRF official said. Sniffer dogs, thermal imaging equipment, and hydraulic cutters are being used in the effort to locate and extract those still trapped.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud rumble before the collapse and seeing a cloud of dust fill the air as panicked residents ran for safety. Many of those caught beneath the debris were believed to be in the building’s lower floors when the rear portion crumbled.
The cause of the collapse is yet to be officially determined, but initial reports suggest the structure may have been in a deteriorated condition. Local residents allege that previous warnings about the building’s stability went unheeded by authorities and the housing society.
Maharashtra Chief Minister has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured a thorough investigation. Compensation for the victims is expected to be announced shortly.
Meanwhile, temporary shelters have been arranged for displaced residents in nearby community halls, and the municipal corporation is assessing the safety of adjoining buildings in the area to prevent further incidents.
With emergency teams racing against time and rising concerns over monsoon-related structural hazards, the tragedy has once again brought building safety and urban oversight into sharp focus. (Vasai Building Collapse)
