Mumbai witnessed a tragic incident on Sunday as two residential buildings, one in Vile Parle and another in Ghatkopar, partially collapsed, causing the death of two individuals in the Vile Parle incident. The first showers of monsoon marked the unfortunate occurrence, leaving rescue operations underway in Ghatkopar to rescue those potentially trapped within the collapsed structure.
In Vile Parle’s Gaothan area, a ground plus two-storey building on St. Braz Road, near Nanavati Hospital, collapsed at 2:27 pm, leading to the demise of two senior citizens and injuries to two others. Mumbai Fire Brigade swiftly deployed two fire engines to the site to commence rescue operations.
According to officials, the collapse originated from the building’s first-floor balcony, where residents had gathered to witness a passing procession. Tragically, the weight on the balcony proved too much, resulting in its collapse and the subsequent loss of life. The injured individuals were promptly transported to Cooper Hospital, where two of them were declared “brought dead.” The deceased have been identified as Prishila Misauita (65) and Robi Misauita (70), a couple who met their unfortunate fate.
Aneesh Makwaaney, a former BJP corporator, and MLA Parag Alavani were present at the scene. They confirmed that two other individuals sustained severe injuries, identified as Sumitradevi (53) and the Misauitas’ son, who is in his 20s.
Residents of the ill-fated building, consisting of four families, had been occupying the premises for approximately 15 years. Reports suggest that the structure, despite being only 20 years old, exhibited numerous cracks and signs of deterioration. Angela Sutari, a local resident, highlighted the lack of proper maintenance and ongoing deterioration after each monsoon season. Sutari had previously approached the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) to request an inspection, but was informed that only building owners could file complaints.
In the Ghatkopar incident, a three-storey building in Rajawadi Colony collapsed at 9:33 am. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but concerns remain for several residents who might be trapped inside the debris. Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) swiftly initiated rescue operations to ensure the safety of those potentially stranded.
While three individuals trapped on the third floor were successfully rescued, efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining two. The building in question was owned by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA). Bhalchandra Shirsat, a former BJP corporator from Ghatkopar, revealed that the structure was nearly 30 years old and situated within an MHADA Colony. Over the years, additional floors were constructed on top of the initial ground-floor bungalow. However, the brick structures supporting the building’s columns and pillars had deteriorated, likely due to lack of maintenance. The building’s owners reside abroad, and the occupants are tenants, potentially contributing to the lack of attention given to necessary repairs. As the building did not fall under the jurisdiction of the BMC, no notices were served.
The incidents serve as a grim reminder of the importance of regular maintenance, adherence to building codes, and the need for proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents. Authorities are now focusing on rescue operations and investigations to determine the causes of the collapses, with hopes of preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Sources By Agencies
