Maharashtra building collapse: 1 dead, rescue operations underway; PM Modi saddened by incident

At least one person was killed and several others were injured after a multi-storey building collapsed in the Kajalpura area of Mahad town, on Monday evening. Along with three teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the local administration, including the police and fire brigade, is carrying out search and rescue operations in the town, around 170 kilometres from Mumbai.

According to residents, the 10-year-old Tariq Garden building collapsed at around 7pm. It housed more than 40 apartments.

So far, 17 people have been rescued, while several are feared trapped in the debris.

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Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed to the site of the accident late Monday, to join rescue operations conducted by the local police and fire brigade. A green corridor was created from Pune to Raigad to create a swift passage for the NDRF teams.

Meanwhile, Raigad Collector Nidhi Choudhari on Monday night ordered the registration of an offence against the builder, the architect and the contractor. The district administration has identified one Yunus Shaikh as the builder, and a Patel as the contractor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said he was saddened by the incident and prayed the injured recovered soon. “Saddened by the building collapse in Mahad, Raigad in Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their dear ones. I pray the injured recover soon. Local authorities and NDRF teams are at the site of the tragedy, providing all possible assistance,” he said in a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed his distress over the tragedy.

Earlier, Union home minister Amit Shah had also expressed shock over the incident and assured all possible assistance with the rescue operations.

“The collapse of a building in Raigad, Maharashtra is very tragic. Have spoken to DG @NDRFHQ to provide all possible assistance, teams are on the way and will be assisting with the rescue operations as soon as possible. Praying for everyone’s safety,” Shah said in a tweet.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he is distressed by the Raigad building collapse, and offers his condolences to the families of the deceased.

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