From 9.30 a.m. to 7 p.m., rescue workers pulled out 40 victims from the debris of the 117-year-old six-storey building in south Mumbai that collapsed on Thursday morning. Fifteen persons were admitted with serious injuries to the JJ Hospital. Rescue efforts were under way till late on Thursday night. Four or five people are feared to be trapped in the rubble.
Police said the approach to the building was a problem. The lane was very narrow. Although the building is two minutes way from JJ Hospital, police had to stop traffic at frequent intervals to let ambulances pass.
“The same road is also taken by Ganeshotsav processions to go to the Girgaum sea face, and we diverted the processions through the Null Bazaar area,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) Manoj Kumar Sharma.
Aid for victims
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an inquiry by Additional Chief Secretary (Housing).
He also asked the commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Ajoy Mehta to submit a report on the collapse.
“We are focusing on providing immediate medical assistance to injured people. The kin of victims in this tragedy would be given ₹5 lakh aid,” he said.