3 dead, dozens trapped as four-storey Mumbai building collapses

At least three people have reportedly died and dozens more are trapped following the collapse of a four-storey building in Mumbai's Dongri area.

The building is believed to have collapsed approximately 11:40am local time. The local fire brigade and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have deployed multiple tenders to the area to assist with evacuations and rescue operations.

While authorities have yet to release any official figures on the number of injuries and casualties, several Indian news organizations are reporting that two people have died. One child has also reportedly been rescued from the rubble at the site. Many families are still feared trapped inside the building, which had been declared unfit for human habitation previously.

Eyewitness video from the scene shows firefighters already sifting through the rubble as rainfall continues. 

Rescue efforts have been hampered by the narrow, crowded streets in the area. Authorities have formed a human chain to remove debris from the site. 

"This building must be 90-100 years old. I saw the bodies of some children. There were some seven-eight families in the building," another eyewitness told NDTV.

The building was reportedly part of a social housing scheme constructed by a local housing authority. The area, which contains many dilapidated buildings, was subject to heavy flooding in recent weeks which may have contributed to the collapse. 

Like this story? Share it with a friend!