At least nine people were killed when a four-storey residential building collapsed overnight in Bhiwandi, a city in Maharashtra state in western India, authorities said.
The collapse occurred late on July 31, according to the Press Trust of India, which cited the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Rescue teams have been deployed to the site and are searching through the debris for survivors.
Officials said between six and seven people are believed to remain trapped beneath the rubble.
The building had previously been declared structurally unsafe and unfit for habitation. At the time of the incident, repair work was underway, raising questions about safety compliance and occupancy despite the risk designation.
Emergency responders continue to clear debris as the operation enters a critical phase.
By Tamilla Hasanova
