National News: Mumbai was awakened to a shocking event Friday morning when a residential chawl in the city partially collapsed due to a suspected cylinder explosion. Around 7:50 AM, the explosion shook the community and demanded an immediate reaction. Initial investigations indicate that the explosion happened within the building. It caused the second and third floors of a ground-plus-three-storey chawl building to unexpectedly collapse. Eight to ten victims are believed to be buried beneath the fallen buildings in the incident.
Rescue operations are underway
Twelve people have been pulled out from under the debris so far. The injured are still receiving medical care at the closest hospital after being admitted for treatment. Seven people who were hurt in the collapse have been taken to Bhabha Hospital. Teams from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai Police, and Mumbai Fire Brigade are conducting rescue and relief efforts. Rescue workers have sealed off the area and are searching for survivors with specialised equipment.
Police confirmed the sequence of events
“The incident occurred at 7.50 AM today. According to the initial investigation, a cylinder blast took place in the building, after which some parts of the building suddenly collapsed. Relief and rescue work is being carried out by the Fire Department, Mumbai Police and BMC at the spot," an official statement from the Mumbai Police said.
Authorities remain on high alert
Authorities are on high alert as operations continue, pushing against time to make sure nobody is left beneath the ruins. As the situation develops, more updates will be coming.
