Maharashtra Raigad building collapse: Death toll mounts to 16; Rescue operations continue

Mumbai, Aug 26: At least 16 people of whom 7 males and 9 females, died after a building collapsed in a residential area of Mahad in Maharashtra's Raigad district on Monday.

One person is still missing , and 78 people have been rescued from the debris till now.

The Raigad Police on Tuesday registered a case under Sections 304, 304 A, 337, 338 and 34, against 5 persons.

Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed to the site of the tragic accident on late Monday. Also local police and fire brigade join NDRF in the rescue operations.

A green corridor was created from Pune to Raigad to create a swift passage for the NDRF teams.

At 6.50 pm Monday, the top three floors collapsed of the more than 10 years old building. Some residents managed to escape before it came down, reports say.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he was saddened by the incident, and prayed the injured recovered soon.

"Saddened by the building collapse in Mahad, Raigad in Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their dear ones. I pray the injured recover soon. Local authorities and NDRF teams are at the site of the tragedy, providing all possible assistance," the statement released by the Prime Minister's Office.