A tragic incident occurred in Virar, Palghar district of Maharashtra, on Wednesday when a portion of an illegal four-story building suddenly collapsed. The accident has resulted in the death of 14 people, including a mother and daughter.
Virar Building Collapse: A shocking incident occurred in Virar, Palghar district of Maharashtra, on Wednesday when a portion of an illegal four-story building suddenly collapsed. This tragic event has claimed the lives of 14 people so far, while several others are feared trapped in the rubble. The deceased include a mother-daughter duo. Local administration and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations.
The accident occurred around 12:05 PM on Wednesday at the Ramabai Apartment. The rear part of the apartment suddenly collapsed, causing chaos in the surrounding area. The building was constructed in 2012, but it was completely illegal and built without any valid permission.
Rescue Operation Intensified
Immediately after the accident, the local administration initiated rescue operations. Several people are feared trapped in the rubble. Initial rescue efforts were carried out manually as heavy machinery could not reach the debris. Later, the work of removing the debris was accelerated with the help of machines. VVMC Assistant Commissioner Gilson Gonsalves stated that the rescue operation has now gained momentum and efforts are underway to safely evacuate people.
District Disaster Management Officer Vivekanand Kadam said that the chawl on which the building part fell was empty, which averted a greater loss. Residents of other nearby chawls have also been moved to safer locations.
Action on Illegal Construction
Palghar police have taken the builder of the building into custody. This action was taken on the complaint of Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC). Local authorities said that the building was constructed without any government permission, and several rules were violated in its construction. Ramabai Apartment had a total of 50 flats, out of which 12 flats were in the part that collapsed. This accident has forced many families to leave their homes immediately.
The administration has set up relief camps for the affected people. Currently, they have been accommodated in Chandansar Samaj Mandir, where food, water, medicines and other essential facilities are being provided. Two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are engaged in rescue operations at the spot. Palghar District Collector Indu Rani Jakhar said that there is a possibility of more people being trapped in the rubble, so the rescue operation will continue.
