Six people were killed and several others injured after a chawl collapsed in Mumbai's Malad area on Wednesday amid heavy rainfall. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, trapping multiple residents under the debris. Local authorities and rescue teams rushed to the spot, pulling out survivors and recovering bodies from the rubble.
Rescue operations and casualties
The collapse took place in a densely populated locality, where the chawl was reportedly old and dilapidated. Fire brigade and disaster management personnel worked through the day to clear the debris. As of the latest reports, six bodies have been recovered, and at least 15 people have been rescued with injuries. Some of the injured are in critical condition and have been admitted to nearby hospitals.
According to officials, the heavy rain that has been lashing Mumbai for the past two days may have weakened the structure, leading to the collapse. The chawl was home to several families, many of whom were asleep when the incident occurred.
Arrests and legal action
Mumbai Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the collapse. The arrests were made on charges of alleged illegal construction and negligence. An FIR has been filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, causing death by negligence, and construction without proper approvals.
“The accused were involved in constructing additional floors without permission, which may have contributed to the structural failure. We are investigating further,” said a senior police officer.
Government response and relief
Maharashtra Chief Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The injured will receive free treatment at government hospitals. The state government has also ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident, focusing on the role of local municipal authorities in allowing illegal constructions.
Opposition leaders have criticized the government for failing to prevent such tragedies, pointing to a pattern of building collapses in Mumbai during the monsoon season. They have demanded stricter enforcement of building codes and regular inspections of old structures.
Background of illegal construction in Mumbai
Mumbai has witnessed several building collapses in recent years, often attributed to unauthorized additions and poor maintenance. Many chawls, built decades ago, are prone to collapse under heavy rain. Activists say that lax enforcement of regulations and corruption in the municipal corporation have allowed illegal constructions to flourish.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been directed to conduct a survey of all old and dangerous buildings in the city and take necessary action. However, past efforts have been slow, and residents continue to live in unsafe conditions.
