8 killed in Thane building collapse

A three-storeyed building has collapsed in the Naupada area of Thane city in Maharashtra has left six people dead.

More than 10 people are feared to be trapped inside the debris. “Fire engines rushed to the spot in next 15 minutes”, Rajan Khatri, a security guard in the adjacent building, told Hindustan Times.

NDRF deputy commandant Sachidanand Gavde informed that the incident took place around 2 am. The NDRF (National Disaster Relief Force) is at the spot near B cabin aiding in the rescue operation. According to media reports, the Thane Municipal Corporation had issued notices to the residents of the building to vacate it because of its dilapidated condition, but some families continued to stay there.

This is the second residential structure to collapse in the district in a week.

NCP MLA from Thane Jirendra Awhad, who visited the collapse site, said Krishna Nivas was one of the several old buildings which are more than 50 years old, and the owners of such buildings ignored repairs.

The building, Krishna Niwas, was almost 50-year-old and was in a dilapidated state. Authorities often blame poor construction materials for such accidents.