5 Killed In Landslide In Mumbai’s Ghatkopar, Rescue Operation Continues

A landslide in Ghatkopar’s Chirag Nagar area killed five people early on Wednesday morning, sparking a major rescue operation. Sources said that there are still several people who are feared to be trapped under the debris.

The Mumbai Fire Brigade, which is a part of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has confirmed that the incident took place around 3:48 am. Heavy rainfall resulted in part of a hillside slumping down, burying 2-3 houses in the area.

The Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are deployed on the spot. Rubble is being sifted with specially-designed victim-detection cameras in search of life.

It’s initially been reported that five to six people may have been trapped after the collapse. Official is saying that as the rescue operation got underway, bodies were pulled from the wreckage, but some others could not be found.

Two were injured and taken to hospital as well. They were found to be Sohel Ansari, 18, with a head injury and Mohamad Ansari, 14, with a back injury. Both were reported to be stable.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and Additional Municipal Commissioner (eastern suburbs) Avinash Dhakne visited the affected area to understand the situation. Tawde announced financial aid of ₹3 lakh to the families of those who died. The compensation will be provided District Collector’s Office.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Ganesh Shinde told PTI, and it was not immediately possible to confirm the exact number of people who were still trapped.

He added, “Rescue operations are underway, with emergency response teams and local authorities continuing efforts at the site. While we cannot confirm the exact number at this stage, it is suspected that three to four people may still be trapped under the debris.”

“The bodies of those who lost their lives in the landslide have been sent to a hospital for further procedures. The Ghatkopar Police will take the necessary legal action and carry out further investigation in the matter,” he added.

The landslide coincides with the heavy rainfall situation in Mumbai, making vulnerable areas susceptible to landslides and flooding. Rescue workers will be searching the area until the rubble has been cleared and it is determined if anyone else is in a “trapped” position.

A rescue operation is under way and the names of the dead are expected.