Mumbai building collapse: Death toll rises to 14, CM Devendra Fadnavis announces compensation

The death toll in the building collapse in Mumbai's Dongri area climbed to 14 on Wednesday even as the search and rescue operation was still on.

The search and rescue operation is being carried out by Mumbai Fire Brigade and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), with the help of sniffer dogs. The injured have been admitted to the city's J J Hospital and Habib Hospital.

The incident occurred at 11 am on Tuesday in Dongri area, initially killing two persons and trapping over 40 people under its debris.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of those who died in the building collapse.

He also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the injured. The state government has ordered an investigation into the incident. 

Fadnavis has called a meeting to discuss the building collapse. Housing Minister RV Patil and officers from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority are expected to attend the meeting, reported news agency ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the death of people in the building collapse.

''Collapse of a building in Mumbai’s Dongri is anguishing. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover soon. Maharashtra Government, NDRF and local authorities are working on rescue operations & assisting those in need,'' PM Modi said.

The BMC has claimed that it had classified the building in the "C1 category" back in 2017. This classification meant the building was meant "to be evacuated for demolition at the earliest". 

(With inputs from agencies)