Bhendi Bazaar search ops called off, toll stands at 33

The death toll in the building collapse at Bhendi Bazaar mounted to 33 even as the rescuers called off the search operation on Friday. On Thursday, the 117-year-old Husaini Building, a ground+6 structure, off the Pakmodia Street in the Bhendi Bazaar area, caved in around 0830 hrs. The search and rescue operations continued overnight by the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

"All victims are accounted for so far," MFB's chief fire officer Prabhat Ranagdale said after the operation was called off around Friday noon. Meanwhile, Dr Tatyarao Lahane, the dean of Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, said that so far 33 persons have died in the incident. "These deceased include nine females including two children of three years. Of the 24 male victims include a six-year-old child and a 20-day-old infant," Dr Lahane said.

Around a dozen persons are undergoing treatment at the hospital - and most of them are now said to be out of danger. Seven members of the rescue team also sustained injuries of which two are admitted and rest were allowed to go after treatment.

The building was to undergone a redevelopment by the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT), however, it could not be done as some families had refused to move out. The building had necessary clearances from the BMC and the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA).

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had announced a probe headed by an official of the rank  of additional chief secretary, which would go into all the details.

This ground+6 building housed a total of 13 tenants which included 12 residential and 1 commercial. Out of these, the trust had already shifted 7 families in 2013-14. MHADA notices dated 28 March, 2011 and 20 May,2011 declaring the building dilapidated were issued along with offer of transit accommodation to the remaining tenants and occupants.

The JJ Marg police is registering a case of accidental death. "We will investigate as to who was at fault," said deputy commissioner of police Manoj Sharma.