Mumbai: At least 17 people, including a one-year-old child, lost their lives after a four-storey building, Ramabai Apartment, collapsed in Virar’s Vijay Nagar area of Palghar district on Wednesday midnight. The structure, which officials say was “unauthorised,” housed nearly 50 flats.
A birthday celebration on the fourth floor turned tragic when 12 flats in one wing gave way, trapping residents and guests under the debris. Nine people have been rescued so far.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the incident and announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. “We share the sorrow of all these families,” his office said in a statement.
The Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) lodged a complaint, leading to the arrest of the building’s builder. Rescue operations led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been underway for nearly 48 hours.
Authorities said all affected families have been shifted to Chandansar Samajmandir and are being provided food, water, and medical aid.
VVMC officials confirmed that the building, constructed in 2012, was illegal. Meanwhile, the identities of several victims, including men, women, and children, have been confirmed as debris removal continues in the congested locality.
