National Desk
28 August
Tv10punjab
A tragic incident has shaken Maharashtra’s Palghar district after an unauthorized four-storey building collapsed in Virar. Officials confirmed on Thursday that the death toll has risen to 15, as three more bodies were recovered during overnight rescue operations.
The Incident
The building, consisting of nearly 50 flats, suddenly collapsed at around 12:05 a.m. on Tuesday night in the Vijay Nagar area of Virar. Shockingly, the structure came crashing down on an adjoining vacant building.
Eyewitnesses revealed that a birthday celebration for a one-year-old girl was being held on the fourth floor at the time of the collapse. Within moments, around 12 flats gave way, trapping residents and guests under the massive debris.
Rescue Efforts
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local police and fire department teams, worked tirelessly through the night. Advanced equipment and sniffer dogs were deployed to search for survivors. Many injured victims were pulled out and rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities said the rescue operation remains challenging due to the huge volume of debris.
Concerns and Investigation
According to officials, the building was unauthorized and not constructed as per safety norms. Poor quality material and illegal extensions are suspected to have contributed to the collapse. The district administration has launched an inquiry to determine responsibility and take strict action against those involved in allowing the construction.
A Tragic Reminder
The Virar collapse is yet another reminder of the dangers posed by unsafe and unauthorized buildings in urban areas. Families mourning their loved ones are demanding accountability and stronger measures to prevent such disasters in the future. Meanwhile, rescue teams continue to search for anyone who may still be trapped.