Virar (Maharashtra): At least 12 people, including a mother and her daughter, were killed and several others injured when a portion of a 13-year-old “illegal” building collapsed in Virar, Palghar district, police said on Sunday. Officials said six bodies were pulled out from under the debris, while six others succumbed to their injuries during treatment at various hospitals.
The collapse occurred at the Ramabai Apartment on Narangi Road in Vasai taluka at 12:05 a.m. on Wednesday. Twenty hours later, rescue and debris removal operations were still underway. Nine injured individuals were admitted to hospitals in Mumbai and Nalasopara, with three discharged after treatment. Firefighters and NDRF teams continue to assist in rescue operations.
District Collector Indu Rani Jakhar said more people may be trapped under the debris. Palghar district disaster management officer Vivekanand Kadam, citing preliminary information, confirmed that the rear portion of the four-storey building had collapsed.
A VVMC spokesperson said the two-part structure was “illegal” and that an investigation is ongoing.
