Two Rescued, Two Feared Trapped in Shahbaz Village Building Collapse

In the early hours of Saturday, a three-storey building in Shahbaz village, Navi Mumbai, collapsed, leading to a frantic rescue operation. The incident, which occurred around 5 am, has left at least two people feared trapped under the rubble, while two others have been successfully rescued and are now in stable condition.

Immediate Response:

The collapse prompted an immediate response from the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), police, fire brigade, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Kailas Shinde, the commissioner of NMMC, confirmed that rescue efforts are in full swing. "This is a G+3 building with 13 flats. Two persons have been rescued and two are likely trapped," he said. The rescued individuals were promptly admitted to a hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

Details of the Incident:

The building, constructed in 2013, housed numerous families. According to reports, the residents heard a cracking sound on the second floor, prompting many to evacuate to safer areas just before the collapse. Among those rescued were Lal Mohammed, 22, and Ruksana, 21, who were trapped on the third floor and were screaming for help.

Rescue Efforts:

The NDRF's 5th Battalion from Pune, along with the fire brigade, are leading the rescue operations, meticulously removing debris to locate the remaining trapped individuals. Dr. Kailas Shinde highlighted the challenges in identifying the residents since many were tenants unfamiliar with each other. The displaced residents have been accommodated at Niwara Centre, a local shelter home.

Background and Investigation:

The building, being only 10 years old, has raised questions about its structural integrity. An investigation is underway, and action is expected against the building's owner. This tragic event follows another recent incident in South Mumbai, where an 80-year-old woman died, and four others were injured after a portion of a balcony in a four-storey residential building collapsed.

This tragic event underscores the urgent need for rigorous building safety regulations and regular inspections to prevent such incidents from recurring. As the rescue operation continues, the community remains hopeful for a positive outcome.