staircase portion of a five-storey building in the Fort area of south Mumbai in Maharashtra collapsed at 7.30 am on Friday. The fire brigade sent eight vehicles to the spot. At least 35 people have been rescued. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far.
The rescue operation is currently underway, as per the fire brigade.
Repair work by Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority at the building, known as Ashapura building, was in progress when the incident occurred. A part of the third floor’s ceiling collapsed due to which the staircase portion fell.
About two weeks ago, 11 people, including eight children, died after a four-storey house collapsed on another structure in the Malwani area of Malad West in Mumbai. Seven others were seriously injured. According to a minister, the building collapsed due to heavy rain in the city.
Following this incident, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar had reportedly said that the demolition of dilapidated buildings had been halted due to court orders.
Surjitt Sahani
