Mumbai: One labourer died and two were injured after a portion of a dilapidated building, which was being demolished, collapsed in Chandivali on Saturday.
Civic officials said the building, Krishnan Business Park, had recently been vacated. The work to raze the ground-plus-six-storey commercial building was under way when it collapsed.
“The middle portion of the building gave way, and labourers who were helping clear the debris were trapped underneath the rubble. The fire brigade was informed and rescue operations began immediately,” a BMC officer said.
Eight fire engines, a rescue van, a quick response vehicle and several ambulances were sent to the spot, while the police secured the site to prevent interference by onlookers. The traffic police, too, chipped in to ensure there was no traffic congestion.
Fire officials rescued three labourers and rushed them to a hospital, where one of them was declared dead before admission. The other two were admitted with fractures.
“We suspect six are still trapped under the debris, and rescue operations are under way,” police said.
The deceased were contract labourers. Their details were being obtained so that their families could be informed. The police will record statements of the two injured workers, other labourers and civic officials at the spot to find out if there was any negligence in the operation. Rescue operations were on till late on Saturday night.
