A three-storey chawl collapsed early on Friday morning in Bharat Nagar, Bandra (East), leaving 11 people injured and sparking fears that several others may still be trapped under the debris. The incident occurred at Chawl No. 37 around 5:56 am, when the second and third floors of the ground-plus-three structure suddenly gave way, triggering panic in the densely populated locality.
Following the collapse, the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) declared a Level-2 emergency and launched an immediate rescue operation. The Mumbai Police, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), Public Works Department (PWD), Adani Group, BMC ward staff, and 108 ambulance services, have been deployed at the scene.
According to fire brigade officials, the rescue team comprises two Assistant Divisional Fire Officers (ADFOs), five Senior Fire Officers, one Station Officer, five fire engines, a Mobile Workshop Team (MWT), a Command and Control Fire Unit (CFF), a Force Tender (FT), a Rescue Vehicle (RV), and a Water Quick Response Vehicle (WQRV).
So far, 11 individuals have been pulled out from the rubble and rushed to Bandra Bhabha Hospital. Of the injured, three are reported to be in critical condition, while the remaining eight are stable and receiving treatment.
Emergency teams continue to search through the debris, with concerns that 8 to 10 people may still be trapped. A senior fire officer on site stated, “Our team is working round the clock to rescue anyone who may still be under the debris. The structure was old and congested, which is making the operation more challenging.”
Local authorities have urged residents to stay away from the affected area and allow emergency teams to carry out their work. “We appeal to the public to remain calm and cooperate fully. Safety is our top priority,” a BMC official said.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and the cause of the collapse is yet to be determined.
