Fatal Wall Collapse at Mumbai’s Film City: Two Dead, One Injured in Under-Renovation Studio

Mumbai, 25th February 2024: At Film City, Mumbai, on Saturday evening (24th February), a 60-ft-long and 20-ft-high wall collapsed inside an under-renovation studio, resulting in the death of 32-year-old Sintu Mandal and 45-year-old Jaidev Pralhad Biswas. Another individual, 29-year-old Vikram Mandal, sustained injuries and was promptly taken to HBT Trauma Care Hospital.

The BMC’s disaster management cell reported the incident at around 6.30 pm, initiating search and rescue operations that were ongoing at the time of the latest report. Ravindra Ambulgekar, the chief fire officer of the Mumbai fire brigade, stated that senior fire officials were deployed to the site, and comprehensive checks were being conducted on the debris before concluding the rescue operation.

BMC officials revealed that the collapsed wall was part of an under-renovation studio, where a retaining wall was being constructed without proper permissions. The BMC had not granted permission for the wall near Film City’s Gate No 2. A senior BMC official emphasized that no commencement certificate was issued, and only plans for internal additions/alterations were approved. Despite Film City having its supervisory team, the BMC had not authorized the construction of the wall.

Avinash Dhakane, managing director of the Maharashtra Film, Stage, and Cultural Development Corporation Ltd, clarified that the legality of the wall falls under the jurisdiction of the BMC, which grants permission for any permanent structure. Aarey Colony police registered an accidental death report and were actively involved in the rescue operations. Further investigations would focus on recording statements, identifying the cause of the collapse, and determining if human error led to the incident, with potential legal actions against those found responsible.