Thane, July 31, 2026 | IPU Media Update News: A tragic building collapse in Bhiwandi, Thane district, Maharashtra, on Thursday night reportedly claimed the lives of at least nine people, while several others are feared trapped under the debris.

The four-storey 'Kohinoor Building', located in the Balaji Nagar area of Bhiwandi, reportedly had 48 rooms, with 12 rooms on each floor. According to preliminary information, the building was an old structure and had reportedly been declared unfit for habitation by the municipal authorities.

Reports indicate that despite warnings from the authorities, repair work was being carried out at the building. At around 9:00 PM on Thursday, residents reportedly heard loud cracking sounds and noticed fissures developing in the structure. Some residents had already evacuated the premises, while others were reportedly in the process of moving out with their belongings.

At around 11:30 PM, 'Block B' of the building collapsed, resulting in multiple casualties and trapping several people under the rubble.

Following the incident, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Thane Disaster Response Force, fire department and police reached the spot. Rescue teams deployed a dog squad, fire engines, ambulances and heavy earth-moving machinery to assist in the rescue operation.

Rescue efforts are continuing to locate and evacuate people who may still be trapped under the debris. Authorities are monitoring the situation, and the casualty figures may change as the rescue operation progresses.