The nearly 100-year-old building situated in the city’s Dongri slum area, collapsed around 11.00 a.m. on Tuesday.
So far, 14 people were said to have been killed in the accident, while around 100 are still feared trapped, as rescue operations continue on Wednesday. At least nine people, including two children, were reportedly rescued from the building.
Videos showing the locals going out of their way, to come to the dangerous site and help rescue people stuck under the rubble, offered a heartwarming element to this moment of plight. Locals have also helped clear the way to allow excavators and other machinery to enter into the narrow lanes, to facilitate the efforts of rescue teams.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express his condolences after the tragedy.
Many netizens, however, tried to underline the efforts of locals and showered them with ample praise.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the building, which was about 100 years old, was not in the state government’s list of dilapidated structures. Recently the building was handed over to a developer for redevelopment.