Thane, July 31: Emergency personnel and specialized disaster response teams remain engaged in rescue operations in the Balaji Nagar locality of Bhiwandi following the collapse of a four-storey residential structure late Thursday night. Authorities confirmed nine fatalities after the ‘B’ wing of Kohinoor Building caved in around 11:20 pm, with search teams deploying heavy machinery and specialized units to locate individuals believed to be beneath the debris.
The Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation stated that the structure had previously been classified under dangerous building categories, leading to official eviction notices and utility disconnections. Officials declared that repair activities were subsequently initiated without formal administrative permissions. “Nine persons were killed in the building collapse in Bhiwandi, and a search and rescue operation is underway at the site,” Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan affirmed while monitoring the emergency response.
Administrative leadership has directed local enforcement agencies to initiate criminal proceedings regarding the unauthorized construction activities. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared that instructions have been issued to the Municipal Commissioner to file a case immediately and take firm measures against those responsible. Concurrently, municipal authorities noted that surrounding vulnerable structures across the powerloom town are being assessed for immediate safety clearance.
