At least eight people were killed after a four-storey residential building collapsed in Maharashtra's Thane district on Friday, with rescue teams continuing operations amid fears that four to five people remain trapped under the debris.
The incident occurred around 11.30 pm on Thursday when a portion of the Kohinoor Building in Balaji Nagar caved in.
“At least eight persons were killed. The bodies have been sent to a government hospital for postmortem. Four to five persons are believed to be still trapped under the rubble, and a search and rescue operation is underway,” said Resident Deputy Collector Sandeep Mane.
The officials also rescued an injured boy, who was taken to a nearby hospital.
Municipal officials said the structure had 48 rooms, with 12 on each floor, and had been declared dangerous by the civic body. The collapse occurred while repair work was underway.
Around 9 pm on Thursday, residents reportedly heard "loud cracking sounds" coming from the building. Alarmed by the noises, locals helped evacuate several families. However, while some residents were still leaving the premises, the building's 'B' wing collapsed, an official said.
A multi-agency rescue operation involving teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Thane Disaster Response Force, and the local fire brigade is underway. A dog squad, four fire engines, two ambulances, and heavy earth-moving machinery have been deployed at the site.
(With inputs from PTI)