Vasai-Virar building collapse: The death toll from the building collapse in Maharashtra’s Vasai-Virar climbed to 17 on Thursday after two more bodies were recovered.
Firefighters from the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation, along with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been on the site since Tuesday night to remove debris and locate survivors. According to officials, the rescue operation has been going on for more than 48 hours and is expected to conclude soon.
Victims of the tragedy identified
Authorities have released the names of all 17 people who lost their lives in the collapse of the Ramabai Apartment. The deceased include young children, couples and elderly residents who were trapped inside the five-storey building when it crumbled.
Among the victims are Omkar Jovil, 25; his wife Arohi Jovil, 24; and their one-year-old daughter Uttkarsha Jovil. Others who lost their lives include Laxman Kisku Singh, 26; Dinesh Prakash Sakpal, 43; Parvati Sakpal, 60; Sachin Nivadkar, 40; his wife Supriya Nivadkar, 38; and their 11-year-old son Arnav Nivadkar.
The list also includes Dipesh Soni, 41; Harish Singh Bist, 34; Sonali Rupesh Tejam, 41; Deepak Singh Bohra, 25; Kashish Pawan Saheni, 35; Subhangi Pawan Saheni, 40; Govind Singh Rawat, 28; and Rohini Chavan, who was around 52 years old.
Birthday celebration turns into mourning
Just hours before the tragedy, Omkar and Arohi Jovil had hosted a small celebration to mark their daughter Uttkarsha’s first birthday.
The little girl, who had just turned one, suffered critical injuries during the collapse and was rushed to a hospital. However, despite efforts by doctors, she could not be saved. Her mother Arohi died instantly when the building came crashing down, while her father Omkar’s body was recovered later.
Injured survivors receiving treatment
While 17 people have lost their lives, nine residents were rescued alive from the collapsed structure. They are currently undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Vasai-Virar.
The injured include Prabhakar Shinde, 57; his wife Pramila, 50; their daughter Prerna, 20; their son Manthan, 19; and another relative Vishakha Jovil, 24. Others injured are Pradeep Kadam, 40; his wife Jaishree, 33; Mitali Parmar, 28; and Sanjoy Singh, 24. Doctors have said that some of the injured are in stable condition, while a few remain under close medical observation.
CM expresses grief, announces aid
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he said, “Seventeen people have died so far in the Virar area, where a building collapsed. I pay heartfelt tribute to the deceased.” The Chief Minister also announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the families of each victim.
He added that all necessary help will be provided to the injured who are being treated in hospitals. His office confirmed that the state government has directed officials to ensure that affected families receive proper support in the coming days.
Builder arrested for negligence
Virar police have arrested builder Nittal Sane, who owns Ramabai Apartment. He has been booked under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) as well as multiple sections of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, according to a report by The Indian Express.
Police officials said that investigations are underway to determine whether the building was constructed with poor-quality materials or if negligence in maintenance played a role in the collapse.
Ramabai Apartments, constructed in 2011, was declared unauthorised by the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) the following year.