Bhiwandi building collapse: 10 killed, several trapped; President, PM Modi pay condolences

In a major tragedy, at least 10 people were killed and several feared trapped after a three-storeyed building in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi collapsed on Monday.

The three-storied building was located in the Patel Compound area in Bhiwandi, Thane and is said to be 43 years old. It had 40 flats with a total occupancy of 150 people.

According to the Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation, the building was not on the list of dangerous buildings.

President Ram Nath Kovind paid his condolences to the family of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

"The loss of lives in the building collapse incident at Bhiwandi, Maharashtra is quite distressing. In this hour of grief, my thoughts & prayers are with victims. I wish speedy recovery of injured. Local authorities coordinating rescue & relief efforts," a tweet from the President's official Twitter handle said.

The loss of lives in the building collapse at Bhiwandi, Maharashtra is quite distressing. In this hour of grief, my thoughts and prayers are with the accident victims. I wish speedy recovery of the injured. Local authorities are coordinating rescue and relief efforts.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 21, 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the tragedy and paid for quick recovery of those injured.

"Saddened by the building collapse in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. Condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for a quick recovery of those injured. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being provided to the affected," a tweet from the PM said.

Saddened by the building collapse in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. Condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for a quick recovery of those injured. Rescue operations are underway and all possible assistance is being provided to the affected.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2020

As per initial information, 20 people have been rescued and about 25 people are still trapped under the debris.

15 personnel of the Thane Disaster Response Force and a contingent of National Disaster Response Force consisting 30 personnel are present at the spot and carrying out rescue work.