Bhiwandi building collapse: NDRF recuses 20 people, continues operations

Bhiwandi, Sept 22: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has recused 20 people while carrying out the operations in the Bhiwandi building collapse in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the death toll rose to 20, with the recovery of seven more bodies overnight.

 

 

 

The NDRF, in a tweet, informed that they have recovered 20 bodies and recused 20 people from the debris of the collapse. The rescue operations are still being carried out at the site. On the other hand, police said bodies of a two-and-a-half-year-old boy and a young couple were recovered 24 hours after the crash.

 

 

Those rescued including a seven-year-old, are being treated at hospitals in Bhiwandi and Thane. Meanwhile, two civic officials have been suspended in connection with the collapse and an offense has been registered against the building owner. DCP Rajkumar Shinde said an inquiry committee has also been set up.

 

The building, located at Narpoli's Patel Compound near Dhamankar Naka in Thane district’s Bhiwandi town collapsed around 3.40 am yesterday while the residents were asleep. Soon after the incident, the NDRF, fire brigade, and police teams reached the spot and started carrying out the rescue operations.

 

 

 

Following the building collapse, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the incident. The President tweeted, "The loss of lives in the building collapse at Bhiwandi, Maharashtra is quite distressing. In this hour of grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the accident victims. I wish speedy recovery of the injured. Local authorities are coordinating rescue and relief efforts."

 

"Saddened by the building collapse in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. Condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for a quick recovery of those injured. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being provided to the affected," the Prime Minister said in a tweet.