7 dead in building collapse in Borivali

Mumbai, July 18 (UNI) At least seven people were killed and 40 injured when the 'A' wing of a seven-storey building collapsed like a pack of cards in the densely populated suburb of Borivali in north-west Mumbai today.

Police said the injured were rushed to the nearby Bhagwati hospital and private clinics. About 60 people were still feared trapped under the debris. Police said seven bodies had been taken out till 2030 hrs.

The 20-year-old 'Laxmi Chhaya' building, situated at Borivali west is a residential-cum-shopping complex. Vibrations were experienced by residents in the other wing due to the collapse, making the residents scamper to safety.

The whole structure came down at around 1900 hours this evening, police said.

According to eye-witness accounts, the building, owned by Laxman Thacker, had been undergoing repairs.

The whole area has been cordoned off and relief and rescue operations were on in a big way with police, fire-brigade and voluntary and social organisations assisting.

UNI