Bhiwandi Building Collapse – Fadnavis Orders Investigation After Nine Killed in Tragedy

Bhiwandi Building Collapse –  Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to launch a detailed investigation into the deadly building collapse in Bhiwandi and ordered strict legal proceedings against those found responsible. The instructions came after a portion of a residential building crashed late on Thursday night, leaving nine people dead and several others injured. Rescue teams continue searching through the debris amid concerns that a few residents may still be trapped.

The incident occurred at the four-storey Kohinoor Apartment in the Gangaramwadi area of Balaji Nagar, Bhiwandi. Emergency personnel have been working around the clock to locate survivors, while authorities continue assessing the stability of the remaining structure and nearby buildings.

Chief Minister Orders Legal Action

Expressing sorrow over the loss of lives, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis conveyed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. In a statement shared on X, he described the incident as deeply unfortunate and instructed the Municipal Commissioner to immediately register a First Information Report against those responsible.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to ensure that the investigation is conducted thoroughly and that strict legal action is taken if negligence is established. He further wished the injured a speedy recovery and assured that the state administration would extend all necessary support during the relief and rehabilitation process.

Building Had Been Marked Unsafe Earlier

Officials from the Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation said the residential building had previously been declared unsafe. According to municipal authorities, notices had already been issued regarding the condition of the structure, warning about potential risks.

Preliminary findings indicate that repair work was being carried out on the building’s pillars when a section of the structure suddenly collapsed at around 11:30 pm on Thursday. Investigators are expected to examine whether the ongoing repairs or other structural issues contributed to the incident.

Rescue Efforts Faced Initial Challenges

The rescue operation encountered obstacles during the initial hours because the narrow access road prevented heavy equipment from reaching the site quickly. To overcome the difficulty, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Thane Disaster Response Force (TDRF) coordinated efforts to reach the affected area.

Authorities also demolished an old chawl situated next to the collapsed building using earthmoving machinery, creating sufficient space for rescue workers and equipment to access the debris safely. Search operations have continued without interruption as emergency personnel remain hopeful of locating anyone who may still be trapped.

Survivors Recall Moments Before Collapse

Residents who escaped the collapse described the frightening moments leading up to the incident. Several families managed to leave the building shortly before it came down, avoiding what could have been an even greater tragedy.

Among them were Arvind Gupta and his wife, who escaped in time. Their daughter, Komal, was briefly trapped beneath the rubble but succeeded in freeing herself before rescue workers reached her. She claimed that repair work on the building’s pillars was underway when the structure suddenly gave way.

Local Residents Joined Rescue Mission

Before specialised disaster response teams arrived, local residents and volunteers began rescue efforts on their own. Witnesses said several young people entered the debris despite the risks and helped pull trapped occupants to safety.

According to local accounts, two people were rescued from beneath the rubble during these initial efforts, highlighting the role played by residents before official rescue agencies took charge of the operation.

State Government Assures Full Assistance

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar also expressed condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the collapse. She said the state government was committed to providing every possible form of assistance to those affected.

She added that teams from the NDRF, fire services, police, municipal authorities and other emergency agencies were continuing coordinated rescue operations. Officials remain focused on locating any remaining survivors while the investigation seeks to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal collapse.