Mumbai: Seven people were injured on Wednesday afternoon after a portion of an old residential building collapsed in Bhaykhala’s Madanpura area, officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed.
The incident occurred around 1 pm at the Fanuswala Building, a decades-old structure in a densely populated part of south-central Mumbai. The collapse involved a section of the first floor, leading to panic among residents and bystanders.
BMC declares Level-I emergency
Following the partial collapse, the BMC Fire Brigade immediately declared a Level-I emergency — the lowest in the emergency scale but indicative of a potentially hazardous situation.
Firefighters, local police, and civic ward staff rushed to the site to assist with rescue operations and ensure safety in the surrounding area. The affected portion of the building was quickly cordoned off to prevent further incidents.
Seven people injured, two hospitalised
Officials said seven individuals sustained injuries, of whom two were admitted to Nair Hospital. They were identified as Gulam Rasool (24) and Mohammad Sayyad (59). Doctors confirmed that both are in stable condition.
The remaining five — Arif (29), Sattar (35), Mohammad (35), Samsul (29), and Cathrine (45) — received minor injuries and were treated at Bhatia Hospital.
Authorities confirmed that no fatalities occurred and that rescue efforts concluded successfully by late afternoon.
Officials probe cause of collapse
Civic engineers and structural experts from the BMC have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. Preliminary assessments suggest that age-related structural weakening may have contributed to the failure.
A senior civic official said, “The Fanuswala Building is among several old residential structures in the Madanpura locality. We have instructed residents of similar aged buildings to remain cautious and report any visible cracks or water leakage immediately.”
Another incident reported in Byculla
In a separate incident, a portion of the Salvation Army School building collapsed in the Byculla area on Wednesday. Officials said a few labourers carrying out repair work were injured, though no fatalities were reported.
The two incidents have once again raised concerns about the safety of Mumbai’s ageing buildings, particularly during the post-monsoon months when structural integrity often weakens due to prolonged exposure to moisture.
Civic body issues safety advisory
Following the twin collapses, the BMC has reiterated its appeal to citizens to cooperate with the civic body’s ongoing structural audit and evacuation efforts. Notices have been issued to several c-1 category (dangerous and dilapidated) buildings across the city.