Bhiwandi: At least nine people have lost their lives after a four-storey residential building collapsed in Maharashtra’s Bhiwandi, while rescue teams continue searching for two to three people feared trapped beneath the debris. The incident occurred late Thursday night when a portion of the Kohinoor Building in Balaji Nagar suddenly gave way.
The Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) said the structure had been declared unsafe as far back as September 2020. Authorities had issued eviction notices on June 5 this year and disconnected electricity and water connections. Despite the restrictions, the building owners allegedly carried out repair work without obtaining civic approval.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the tragedy and directed officials to register a criminal case and take strict action against those responsible. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the collapse occurred while repair work was in progress. The civic administration has also ordered criminal proceedings against the contractor involved in the unauthorised renovation.
The building housed 48 rooms, with 12 units on each floor. Residents reportedly heard loud cracking sounds around 9 pm on Thursday, prompting many families to evacuate. However, some occupants remained inside when the building’s B-wing collapsed around 11.20 pm.
A large-scale rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Thane Disaster Response Force, local fire brigade, ambulances, heavy machinery and dog squads was launched immediately. Rescue personnel continue to remove debris in search of survivors.
Survivors recounted the terrifying moments before and after the collapse. One woman said she remained trapped under mud and debris for several hours while hearing her parents call out for her. She alleged that residents had repeatedly warned those carrying out repairs about unsafe construction practices, but their concerns were ignored.
Another resident said her family narrowly escaped after neighbours urged them to leave their apartment moments before the collapse. She said they lost their home and belongings but were fortunate to survive.
Officials have identified five of the deceased as Shamim Shaikh (32), Ranjeet Singh (45), Miraj Rasul Shaikh (34), Santosh Kumar Pandey (42) and Shamim Ansari (30). The remaining victims are yet to be formally identified.
According to the civic body, officials had inspected the building on the day of the collapse and noticed serious structural instability. Around 40 residents and labourers were evacuated, and the contractor was instructed to stop repair work. However, officials alleged that the warning was ignored and some occupants also refused to vacate the premises.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the affected families would receive financial assistance as per government norms, while temporary accommodation has been arranged for displaced residents.
Bhiwandi Mayor Narayan Chowdhari said the city currently has around 130 to 140 buildings classified as “most dangerous” and stressed the need for their immediate evacuation to prevent similar tragedies.
