Ceiling Collapse in Vashi, Navi Mumbai: Children Narrowly Escape Catastrophe

Navi Mumbai, 6th April 2024: In a harrowing incident in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, three children aged between 10 and 14 narrowly escaped a potentially catastrophic situation when a significant portion of the ceiling in their two-bedroom apartment collapsed. The collapse, which occurred in a high-end locality, was attributed to workers using a powerful vibrator to remove concrete from the floor above, according to officials. Fortunately, the workers managed to flee the scene unharmed. In response, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has extended assistance by offering to relocate the families residing in the two affected apartments to Rajasthan Bhavan.

The incident unfolded around 4 pm at plot number 49 in sector 29, Sudama Cooperative Housing Society. The building, standing six stories tall and constructed a decade ago, consists of two-bedroom flats measuring 700 sqft each.

Rajvir Gaikwad, 14, one of the children involved, recounted the terrifying experience of witnessing the ceiling collapse while his younger brother Aryaveer, 10, alerted him to the danger. Thankfully, none of the occupants sustained injuries, as their parents were away at work during the incident.

Despite the gravity of the situation, other residents and members of the housing society declined to comment on the incident.

Prompt action was taken by NMMC municipal commissioner Kailas Shinde, along with top civic officials and former MLA Sandeep Naik, who visited the scene immediately after the incident. Firefighters also responded swiftly to the emergency.

According to NMMC city engineer Sanjay Desai, a structural audit conducted four months earlier had not indicated any signs of dilapidation in the building. He attributed the collapse to the actions of three labourers working in the flat above, who were employing a powerful vibrator to remove concrete. The sudden impact likely triggered the collapse, prompting the workers to evacuate the premises unscathed.

Desai assured that the civic body would extend necessary support to the affected families, including temporary relocation if needed. Additionally, he pledged to undertake appropriate legal action after thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and any potential violations of regulations.