Maharashtra: Death toll in Thane building slab collapse climbs to 6, rescue operations underway

Mumbai: At least six people were killed and six others were injured after the slab of a portion of a building collapsed in the Kalyan suburbs of the Thane district which neighbours the financial capital of Mumbai. 

The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has confirmed six deaths while the search and rescue operations are still underway and debris are being cleared. 

The incident took place around 1430 to 1500 hrs, KDMC and Thane Police officials said. 

The incident  involves the Saptashrungi Cooperative Housing Society in the Kalyan East area. 

“We have rescued 12 persons. While there are six casualties, six others are being traded in various hospitals,” KDMC Commissioner Abhinav Goel said.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who hails from Thane and his son and Kalyan MP Dr Shrikant Shinde are in touch with local authorities and reviewing the situation. 

“Instructions have also been given to provide financial assistance from the District Disaster Relief Fund to the relatives of the citizens who died in this accident,” Dr Shinde said. 

"There were over 50 families who reside in the building. The slab of a part of the building has collapsed,” officials said.

The building is about 25 years old. 

Goel clarified that it was not officially classified as hazardous.