Eight people were killed and 22 injured when a two-floor building in Bhiwandi’s Gaibi Nagar area collapsed on Sunday morning due to heavy rains.
Around nine families were residing in the building and relief work was on till late in the evening. Constant rains were hindering the rescue work.
According to locals, the building was declared dangerous by municipal authorities three years ago. “A few families had already shifted out, but some continued to live there,” said Abdul Majid Ansari, who lived in the neighbouring building.
Mr. Ansari said the building housed a loom on the ground floor, which was shut down after a part of the wall collapsed a few years ago.
“Some labourers slept there at night. There is no news about them yet,” he said.
Thane’s Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde visited the spot. “All possible help will be extended to the victims. The government will take care of the treatment of the injured,” he said.
Infant rescued
Meanwhile, amid all the gloom there was a glimmer of hope as rescue workers found a unhurt seven-month-old baby from underneath a slab.
The joy, however, was short-lived as moments later the body of the toddler’s mother was recovered.
“It is a miracle. Even though his mother is no more, I guarantee we all will come together to help the kid in future,” said Mr. Ansari.
