At least nine people lost their lives after a four-storey residential building collapsed late Thursday night in Bhiwandi, located in Maharashtra’s Thane district, triggering a massive rescue operation as several residents remained trapped beneath the rubble.

The incident occurred during the night when the structure suddenly gave way, leaving residents with little time to escape. Officials said rescue teams rushed to the site immediately after receiving information about the collapse and began searching through the debris for survivors.

Emergency personnel recovered nine bodies from the wreckage during the rescue operation, while authorities expressed concern that more people could still be trapped under the collapsed structure. Rescue teams continued their efforts, carefully removing debris and searching for signs of life.

The sudden collapse created panic among local residents, with many gathering near the accident site as rescue workers worked through difficult conditions. Teams used heavy equipment and specialised tools to clear the rubble, while medical teams remained on standby to provide immediate assistance to those rescued.

Officials said the exact reason behind the building collapse would be investigated. Authorities are expected to examine the condition of the structure, construction quality, and possible safety violations to determine what led to the disaster.

Building collapses have raised repeated concerns in Maharashtra, especially in densely populated areas where ageing structures, unauthorised construction, and lack of maintenance often increase risks during emergencies. Authorities have emphasised the need for regular inspections and strict enforcement of safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies.

As rescue operations continued, officials monitored the situation closely and coordinated efforts between disaster response teams, local administration, and emergency services. The focus remained on locating any remaining survivors and ensuring assistance for families affected by the tragedy.