Date:14/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/14/stories/2008081450571300.htm

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20 dead in Mumbai building collapse

Rahi Gaikwad

Some are still feared trapped beneath the rubble

— Photo: Paul Noronha

SEARCH FOR SURVIVORS: Fire brigade officials look for people trapped in the debris of a building that collapsed in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Mumbai: Twenty people died and 21 others were injured when a four-storey building collapsed here early on Wednesday morning.

Among the dead were seven children. Two of the injured are in a critical condition. Rescue operations are in progress and some are still feared trapped beneath the rubble.

Ambulances continued to bring patients from the site of the tragedy to the J.J. Hospital, Mumbai, throughout the day. Many of the victims suffered head injuries.

The reason for the collapse could not be ascertained. However, B. S. Sehgal, Police Chief Engineer of the Mumbai Building Repair and Reconstruction (MBRR) Board, said that the building was 90 years old and in poor condition. He said the Board had sent notices to the residents for repairs of toilets in 2006 and 2008. “But they did not allow us [to do the repairs].”

The residents, however, said they received no such notices.

The rains last weekend made matters worse. There were unconfirmed reports of bricks falling off before the final collapse.

By noon, there was palpable tension in the area. Families of the victims and those who believed their dear ones were buried under the debris were fuming. Youths formed a human chain to barricade the entrance to the lane where the building is located.

“Our people are trapped. What are you going to do?” they demanded. “I have 12 of my family there and small children,” cried a woman. She was later taken to the hospital in an unconscious state.

Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh visited the site in the morning.

He announced Rs.1 lakh compensation for the family of those killed and Rs.25,000 for the injured.