Mumbai building collapse claims four lives

Mumbai, Nov 12 : At least four people were feared dead as part of a five-storey building collapsed, which occurred at Crawford market in south Mumbai this morning.

According to the fire brigade officials, at least five more people are feared to be trapped under the debris. Eight Fire engines have reached the spot and rescue operation is on.

Commissioner of Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC), Jairaj Phatak said, "These buildings are 100-125 years old. As per instructions of the Mumbai repair board, repair work is being undertaken for the buildings that are actually weak. The front part of this building looked strong but probably the backside was weak. And it seems due to the piling in the adjacent building some damage was caused."

Eyewitness blamed BMC for the collapse alleging that the piling was done inappropriately.

"The piling here was supposed to be done at a distance of 15 feet but they did the piling from a distance of one and half feet," said Sayed Farhan, an eyewitness.

ANI