Mumbai: At least two people died and four to five others were feared trapped after a landslide struck a chawl in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area in the early hours of Wednesday, officials said. Rescue and relief operations are underway, with multiple agencies engaged to locate and evacuate those trapped beneath the debris.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the incident occurred at around 3:48 a.m. at Gaushiya Chawl in Chirag Nagar, Ghatkopar.
Preliminary reports indicate that a portion of a hillock collapsed onto the chawl, causing debris to fall on two to three houses. Authorities initially feared that five to six people had been trapped in the incident.
Following the landslide, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr. Avinash Dhakne visited the affected site to assess the situation and monitor the ongoing rescue efforts.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ganesh Shinde confirmed that two people lost their lives in the incident, while several others are still believed to be trapped under the debris.
Speaking to reporters, Shinde said, “Rescue operations are underway, with emergency response teams and local authorities continuing their efforts at the site. While we cannot confirm the exact number at this stage, it is suspected that three to four people may still be trapped beneath the debris.”
He added that the bodies of the deceased have been sent to a hospital for further procedures.
“The Ghatkopar Police will take the necessary legal action and conduct a detailed investigation into the incident,” he said.
Rescue operations are being carried out jointly by personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
Two injured persons have been admitted to hospital. They were identified as 18-year-old Sohel Ansari, who suffered a head injury, and 14-year-old Mohamad Ansari, who sustained a back injury. Both are reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities continue to clear debris and search for survivors. Further details are awaited.
(IANS)
