A three-storey chawl in Mumbai Bandra East area collapsed early Friday morning, prompting an extensive rescue operation as authorities work to locate those still trapped under the debris.
According to the Hindustan Times, the incident occurred around 5:56 AM in Bharat Nagar, a densely populated locality in the western suburb of the city. According to early assessments, a cylinder explosion may have triggered the structural failure, causing parts of the building to give way suddenly.
So far, 12 individuals have been rescued and rushed to the nearby Bhabha Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Officials have indicated that at least seven more people may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Emergency response teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are present at the scene, coordinating ongoing relief efforts. The fire department has deployed eight fire engines, along with rescue personnel and equipment, as the search for survivors continues.
An official from the fire services confirmed that the operation remains in full swing, with additional manpower and technical support brought in due to the precarious condition of the remaining structure.
Local authorities are yet to confirm the exact cause of the collapse, but preliminary investigations suggest the possibility of a cylinder-related explosion. Efforts are underway to verify the sequence of events and assess the structural integrity of neighboring buildings in the densely packed area.
Further updates are expected as rescue operations progress.
