India building collapse leaves 9 dead, several still trapped

At least nine people were killed after a four-storey residential building collapsed in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi, India, late Thursday night (July 30), with fears that several others remain trapped beneath the debris.

The incident took place around 11:30pm in the Balaji Nagar area when the B-Wing of the Kohinoor Building suddenly gave way.

Authorities said renovation work was underway at the time of the collapse.

Municipal officials said the four-storey building housed 48 residential units and had previously been declared structurally unsafe.

According to eyewitnesses, residents heard loud cracking sounds from inside the building around 9:00pm, prompting many to rush outside. While some managed to escape, others were trapped when the structure collapsed moments later.

A large-scale rescue operation was launched immediately, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Thane Disaster Response Force, local fire service personnel and police.

Rescuers are using sniffer dogs, heavy rescue equipment, four fire engines and two ambulances to search through the rubble. Authorities fear more people may still be trapped, and the death toll could rise as the operation continues.

Officials said efforts remain focused on locating survivors and clearing the debris, while the exact cause of the collapse will be determined through a detailed investigation.