Illegal Four-Storey Building Collapses in Virar, 15 Dead Including Mother-Daughter Duo
Palghar/Virar(The Uttam Hindu): A massive tragedy struck Maharashtra’s Palghar district on Wednesday morning when the rear portion of Ramabai Apartment, a four-storey building in Virar, suddenly collapsed. The disaster claimed at least 15 lives so far, including a mother and daughter, while one person has been critically injured. Rescue operations are still underway.
The incident occurred around 12:05 AM on Wednesday. According to officials, the apartment was constructed in 2012 without any legal approval. The Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation had already declared it illegal. Following the collapse, police immediately detained the building’s developer for questioning.
The building had around 50 flats, of which 12 were located in the section that caved in. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rushed to the site. Initially, debris was removed manually due to narrow lanes that restricted heavy machinery access. Later, equipment was brought in to speed up the clearance. District Collector Indu Rani Jakhar confirmed that some people might still be trapped under the rubble. So far, 17 people have been pulled out—15 were declared dead, one critically injured, and two rescued alive.
District Disaster Officer Vivekanand Kadam stated that the debris fell on a vacant chawl, preventing further casualties. Nearby chawls have been evacuated, and residents shifted to safer locations. The collapse has rendered several families homeless. Survivors have been shifted to Chandansar Samaj Mandir, where they are being provided with food, medicines, and other essential aid.
VVMC Assistant Commissioner Gilson Gonsalves confirmed the building was constructed without proper permission. Locals and social organizations have demanded a high-level inquiry and strict action against those responsible for the tragedy.