Minor dead in building collapse in Khar

Mumbai: A 10-year-old girl died after a portion of the staircase of a residential building near Khar Gymkhana collapsed on Tuesday noon, according to a fire brigade official.

The incident occurred at 2:20pm, while the girl, Mahi Dinesh Motwani, was stuck under debris for more than two hours. The girl was rescued around 4.40 pm and rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where she was declared dead upon arrival.

Apart from the deceased, two others were injured and over two-dozen people were rescued after the collapse. The two injured people were reported to be stable, as per Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation  (BMC) officials.

“Mahi Motwani (10) lost her life in the incident. We rescued 21 people using a fire ladder. Two people were injured and taken to Bhabha Hospital. One of them has been discharged,” the official said.

According to the BMC, a part of Bohala Apartment, a residential complex near Khar Gymkhana, caved in.

Mahi resided at the fourth floor of the apartment along with her mother and younger brother. Locals stated that she was sitting in the hall when the portion of the hallway near the staircase crashed down trapping her in the debris.

As the staircase too had collapsed, her mother could not come down to rescue Mahi.

“Mahi’s mother was also rescued with the help of a ladder. We vacated the entire building as a precautionary measure,” added the official.

Around four fire engines, rescue vans, an ambulance, civic officials, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and police personnel were present at the spot.

The civic body has not been able to ascertain the cause of collapse and is investigating the matter.

Bharatiya Janata Party corporator Alka Kelkar was also present at the site.

On the other hand, state minister and local MLA Ashish Shelar tweeted that he was monitoring the situation.

“Unfortunate bldg staircase  collapsed on the 17th Rd Khar, police, fire brigade , BMC r @ the accident spot for rescue & relief. Our corporator  @alkaskerkar is also @ site 2 assist . Am monitoring the situation & coordinating all necessary action ! (sic),” the minister tweeted.