Three people have been confirmed dead after a portion of the four-storey Kohinoor Building collapsed in Bhiwandi city of Maharashtra's Thane district late Friday night. Rescue teams are continuing operations amid fears that several people remain trapped under the debris.
According to available information, the incident occurred at around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Kohinoor Building in Bhandari Compound, located in Bhiwandi's Narpoli area. A large section of the 'B' wing of the four-storey building collapsed suddenly. Repair work was underway inside the building at the time. Initial information indicated that several workers were present, along with a family overseeing the repair work. Local residents began rescue efforts immediately after the collapse before informing the authorities. Fire brigade personnel, police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and municipal teams subsequently reached the site.
According to preliminary information released by the administration, three people have died in the incident. Authorities suspect that six to eight people may still be trapped beneath the debris. Rescue teams have so far pulled one woman out safely and shifted her to hospital. Injured persons are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals, while debris removal and search operations are continuing. Rescue personnel are using modern equipment and search techniques to locate those trapped. The administration said the operation will continue until all missing persons have been accounted for.
Municipal Corporation officials said the Kohinoor Building had already been classified as a dangerous structure. It had been placed in the 'Category-C' category, indicating that its structural condition had weakened and that it was unsafe for occupation. The Municipal Corporation had earlier directed most families to vacate the building. According to officials, most residents had already left, but some workers and a family remained inside because repair work was in progress when a large section of the building collapsed.
Municipal officials said the four-storey building contained a total of 48 rooms, with 12 rooms on each floor. The administration had previously declared the structure hazardous because of its deteriorated condition. Local residents said the building had been in poor condition for a long time. Following the collapse, nearby residents assisted in moving other families to safer locations.
NDRF, the fire brigade, local police and Municipal Corporation teams launched a joint rescue operation immediately after receiving information about the incident. Heavy machinery is being used to clear the debris while rescue personnel continue searching carefully for survivors. The surrounding area has been cordoned off and public access has been restricted. The administration has appealed to residents not to pay attention to rumours and to cooperate with the ongoing rescue operation.
Officials of the Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation said people evacuated safely from the building have been temporarily accommodated at Gayatri Mandir-Geeta Hall. Arrangements have been made there for accommodation, food and other essential facilities. The administration said it is extending all possible assistance to the affected families.
Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation Mayor Narayan Chaudhary said all government agencies are engaged in the rescue operation. According to him, preliminary information indicates that six or seven people may still be trapped, and all concerned departments are working in coordination. Bhiwandi West MLA Mahesh Chaugule said the building had already been declared dangerous and that most residents had vacated it. However, some workers and others remained inside because repair work was underway. He said the priority is to rescue all those trapped safely.
The administration has initiated an investigation into the incident. Authorities said the cause of the collapse will be examined and it will be determined whether safety standards were fully followed. Rescue operations are continuing, and officials said the number of fatalities and injured could change. The administration added that official updates will be issued periodically and that all possible assistance will be provided to the affected families.
