16 Jul 2019

Mumbai, India, building collapse traps dozens of people

8:54 pm on 16 July 2019

A four-storey building has collapsed in the Indian city of Mumbai, with local news reporting at least two dead, and fire officials working to free at least 40 people who are trapped.

The cause of the collapse in the Dongri area in southern Mumbai was not clear.

Times of India and India Today reported at least two people were dead after the collapse and at least five had been rescued.

Reports said the building was up to 100 years old. Recent monsoon flooding may also have been a factor, reports said.

Rescue teams from the fire department and the national disaster response force are looking for those trapped by debris, officials told BBC Marathi.

Officials estimate about 2000 people in India die each year in collapsing buildings.

Times of India reported the building may belong to a private trust and may be illegal, according to Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority sources.

- BBC / RNZ