Three dead, several trapped in Bhiwandi building collapse

At least three people were killed and several others are feared trapped after a four-story residential building collapsed in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, late on Thursday night, July 30. The collapse occurred around 11:30 p.m. while repair work was in progress on the structure, which had been officially declared dangerous by local authorities.

The building, known as the Kohinoor Building in the Balaji Nagar area, comprised 48 rooms. Officials said residents first heard loud cracking sounds emanating from the structure around 9 p.m. on Thursday. Alarmed locals alerted authorities and helped evacuate several families from the premises. However, while some occupants were still making their way out, the building's B wing suddenly caved in.

A large-scale, multi-agency rescue operation involving teams from the National Disaster Response Force, the Thane Disaster Response Force, and the local fire brigade is underway. Authorities have deployed a dog squad, four fire engines, two ambulances, and heavy earthmoving machinery at the site. According to fire officials, three bodies have been recovered from the rubble, and six people have been rescued from the debris. One injured boy was pulled out...