A major tragedy unfolded in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi when a four-storey residential building partially collapsed late Thursday night, killing at least nine people and injuring several others.
The incident occurred during repair work at the Kohinoor Building in Balaji Nagar. Authorities have launched a large-scale rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local fire brigade and other emergency agencies.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Four-storey residential building collapses in Bhiwandi.
Death toll rises to 9.
Rescue operation continues for those feared trapped.
Building was reportedly declared unsafe before the collapse.
NDRF and multiple agencies deployed at the site.
Investigation ordered into the incident.
According to officials, the collapse took place at around 11:30 PM when a portion of the B-wing of the ground-plus-four-storey Kohinoor Building suddenly gave way.
Initial reports indicate that the building had already been declared structurally unsafe by the local civic authority, and repair work was underway when the collapse occurred. Residents reportedly heard loud cracking sounds before part of the structure came crashing down.
Emergency responders rushed to the site and began rescue operations through the night. As of the latest official update, nine people have been confirmed dead, while multiple injured persons have been shifted to nearby hospitals. Authorities believe additional residents may still be trapped beneath the debris, and rescue efforts are continuing.
Editorial Analysis
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing concerns over ageing buildings and structural safety in rapidly growing urban areas. The findings of the investigation could influence future enforcement of building safety norms and redevelopment policies in Maharashtra.
Heavy machinery, sniffer dogs and specialised rescue teams have been deployed to remove debris carefully to maximise the chances of finding survivors. Officials said operations will continue until every trapped resident has been accounted for.
The administration has also begun an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the collapse, including whether safety norms were followed during the repair work and whether evacuation notices had been properly implemented.
Incident Snapshot
- Location: Kohinoor Building, Balaji Nagar, Bhiwandi, Thane (Maharashtra)
- Building Type: Ground-plus-four residential building
- Time of Collapse: Around 11:30 PM
- Confirmed Deaths: 9
- Rescue Status: Operation ongoing; several feared trapped
- Agencies Involved: NDRF, Fire Brigade, Local Administration
Bhiwandi has witnessed multiple structural safety concerns involving ageing residential buildings over the years. Civic authorities routinely identify unsafe structures and issue notices for repairs or evacuation. The latest incident has once again raised concerns about compliance with safety regulations and the condition of older buildings in densely populated urban areas.
Official Statements / Verified Information
- At least nine people have been confirmed dead.
- Several others are still feared trapped beneath the debris.
- The building had reportedly been declared structurally unsafe before the incident.
- Multi-agency rescue operations are continuing.
- Authorities have initiated an inquiry into the collapse.
What Happens Next ?
- Rescue teams will continue search operations until all missing persons are located.
- Authorities will investigate the cause of the collapse.
- The state administration is expected to review safety compliance for similar high-risk buildings in the region.
