Bhiwandi Building Collapse: Death Toll Rises to 8; Rescue Teams Continue Search for Survivors
Bhiwandi, 31st July 2026: The death toll in the collapse of a four-storey residential building in Bhiwandi has risen to eight, while rescue teams continue searching for two to three people, including a child, feared trapped under the debris.
The incident occurred around 11:30 pm on Thursday at Kohinoor Apartment in the Balaji Nagar-Gangaramwadi area. According to officials, the building collapsed suddenly, flattening into a heap of rubble.
Preliminary information suggests the building had already been declared dangerous by the civic authorities, which had issued notices to residents. Cracks reportedly began appearing in the structure around 6 pm, and by 8 pm the building had started tilting.
Assistant Commissioner Arvind Ghogare and officials from Ward Committee No. 4 reached the site and attempted to evacuate residents. However, some occupants had remained inside to collect their belongings, while repair work was reportedly underway on damaged ground-floor pillars when the building collapsed.
Rescue operations began immediately after the incident. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the fire brigade, and the Thane Disaster Response Force (TDRF) are engaged in the operation. Rescue efforts were initially hampered by narrow access roads, and an old structure in front of the collapsed building had to be demolished using excavators to allow heavy machinery to reach the site.
Local MLA Mahesh Choughule said the building had already been served a notice declaring it unsafe. He stated that repair work on the ground floor may have contributed to the collapse and that several people were feared trapped beneath the debris.
Authorities said the rescue operation is still underway, and the casualty figures may change as search efforts continue. The administration is expected to release further updates after the completion of rescue operations and a detailed structural investigation.
