Thane (Maharashtra) [India], July 31 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday expressed grief over the building collapse in Bhiwandi, that has claimed nine lives so far and directed officials to register an FIR immediately and take strict action against those responsible.
In a post on X, Fadnavis termed the incident “extremely tragic” and said the state government stands with the families of the victims.
“The incident in Bhiwandi where a building collapse resulted in the death of some people is extremely tragic. I offer my heartfelt condolences to them. We share in the grief of these families,” the Chief Minister said.
“Immediate FIR registration in this matter and strict action against the guilty have been ordered to the Municipal Commissioner. Treatment is being provided to the injured. I pray at the feet of God for their speedy recovery,” he added.
https://x.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/2083076448232030291
Fadnavis statement came after nine bodies were recovered from the debris of the four-storey Kohinoor Building in Gangaram Wadi, Narapoli collapsed late last night
According to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), rescue operations continued on Friday with three to four more people feared trapped under the rubble.
Officials said Collector Officer Krishna Panchal has reached the accident site to monitor the rescue efforts, while Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan is also expected to visit the spot.
Personnel from the NDRF and the Thane Disaster Response Force (TDRF), along with local fire brigade teams, police and district administration officials, carried out search and rescue operations using specialised equipment.
The incident occurred between 11 pm and 11:30 pm on Thursday when a portion of the ‘B Wing’ of the Ground-plus-four-storey residential building collapsed.
According to the Thane Municipal Corporation Disaster Management Cell, the structure had already been declared dangerous by the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation. Despite being categorised as unsafe, repair work was reportedly underway when the collapse occurred.
Residents had reported hearing cracking sounds from the building several hours before the incident, prompting local residents to evacuate a number of families. However, some occupants remained inside and became trapped when the structure gave way.
An Assistant Commandant of the NDRF also sustained injuries during the rescue operation. Further investigation is expected after rescue operations conclude. (ANI)
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