Mumbai: As strong rainstorms battered the financial hub of Mumbai and its environs on Sunday, a parapet from a building still under construction collapsed in Vikhroli, killing two people. The Maharashtra coastal Konkan belt is now experiencing the south-west monsoon.
Nagesh Reddy (age 38) and his son Rohit Reddy (age 10) were named as the deceased. Light to moderate periods of rain are expected in the districts of Thane, Palghar, and Mumbai through Tuesday, according to the IMD’s yellow alert.
The event happened at a business center at Park Site in the Vikhroli suburbs of Mumbai on Sunday night around 11:50 p.m., according to the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation.
After removing the debris with cutters, firefighters hurried the father and son to the state-run Rajawadi Hospital, where they were declared dead upon arrival.
Around midnight, there were reports of significant rainfall in the Mumbai metropolitan area. Weather forecasters report that Byculla, Lower Parel, Prabhadevi, and surrounding regions have received more than 100 mm of rain.
In a tragic incident on June 9, 2024, two individuals, including a 10-year-old boy, lost their lives when a section of an under-construction building collapsed in Mumbai’s Vikhroli West area. The collapse occurred around 11:10 p.m. at Kailas Business Park, near the TATA Power House in the Park Site locality. The incident was precipitated by heavy rains that lashed the city, leading to the failure of a portion of the building’s parapet and slab. Upon arrival, fire brigade personnel found parts of the structure hanging precariously and promptly removed them to prevent further hazards. Before their arrival, locals had already transported the victims to Rajawadi Hospital, where both were declared dead on arrival.
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities of under-construction structures during Mumbai’s monsoon season. The heavy rains not only challenge the city’s infrastructure but also pose significant risks to ongoing construction projects. The India Meteorological Department had announced the onset of the southwest monsoon over Mumbai on the same day, slightly ahead of the usual schedule, leading to significant waterlogging in several areas, including Vikhroli.
In a similar incident on September 5, 2024, two laborers lost their lives, and two others were injured when a slab of a 20-storey under-construction building collapsed in Malad East’s Govind Nagar area. The collapse occurred around 12:10 p.m., affecting workers present on the site. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
These recurring incidents highlight the pressing need for stringent safety protocols at construction sites, especially during adverse weather conditions. Ensuring the structural integrity of under-construction buildings is paramount to safeguarding the lives of workers and nearby residents. Regular inspections, adherence to safety norms, and proactive measures can mitigate the risks associated with construction activities during the monsoon season.
Authorities must enforce compliance with building codes and safety standards to prevent such tragedies. Construction companies should prioritize the implementation of robust safety measures, including securing loose structures, providing adequate support to partially built sections, and ensuring that construction materials are stored safely to prevent accidents during heavy rains.
The loss of lives in these incidents serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of negligence and the importance of proactive safety management in the construction industry. As Mumbai continues to develop and expand, integrating comprehensive safety practices into construction projects is essential to protect workers and the public from preventable accidents.
Group Media Publication
Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
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