10 killed, 15 injured in Mumbai building collapse

Two wings of a ground plus five storey building on the Pakmodia Street in south Mumbai completely collapsed on Thursday morning, killing ten people and injuring 15 others. At least 30 others are still feared to be trapped under the rubble, and rescue efforts are under way at the spot.

Mumbai Fire Brigade officials said that the call about the collapse was received by the control room at around 8:30 am on Thursday, and teams were rushed to the spot from the nearby Byculla fire station, which reached the spot within ten minutes. The incident was declared a Level III disaster at 8:42 am and the National Disaster Response Force was contacted.

“There was a shop on the ground floor that prepares sweetmeats and snacks to be supplied to retail outlets, and had several employees working in it when the building collapsed. The workers and a lot of building residents are still trapped underneath the rubble,” said an officer with the Mumbai Fire Brigade.

The collapse is believed to have caused gas cylinders in the sweetmeat factory to explode, causing a fire and gas leak, which has made the operation more challenging, police officer said.

“As of now, the death toll stands at ten, and two firemen as well as 13 residents of the building, are being treated for their injuries,” said Dr T P Lahane of JJ Hospital where the victims are being rushed.