Death toll in Mumbai building collapse mounts to 33

Thirty-three people were killed in the collapse of a 117-year-old building in the congested Bhendi Bazaar area in south Mumbai with nine more bodies being pulled out of the debris overnight, fire brigade officials said today.

They said nine more bodies were pulled out from the debris in the overnight search and rescue operations. The deceased included 24 men and nine women.The officials said that efforts were underway to rescue more people who might be trapped in the debris of the building that collapsed yesterday.

The toll mounted as rescue workers pulled out nine more bodies overnight from the wreckage of the building.They added that nine



others were rescued with injuries from the debris and admitted to the J J Hospital.

Six officials of the fire department and one from the NDRF also suffered injuries in the operation.

The officials said that eight fire engines, one rescue van and ambulances were at the collapse site to assist the personnel in rescue operations.

The tragedy struck barely two days after torrential rain brought the city to its knees, crippling road, rail and air services, inundating homes and leaving at least 10 people dead. Many suspect the downpour caused further damage to the ramshackle structure, causing its crash.