Timely evacuation averts tragedy as Dongri building collapses

The building was not declared dilapidated, but tenants, upon experiencing vibrations, moved out

- Linah Baliga

MUMBAI: A major tragedy was averted in Dongri due to the swift action of tenants who evacuated a five-storey building before it collapsed early Thursday morning.

Noor Villa, also known as Husaini Bai, a building over 40 years old, came crashing down at 12:06 am. Thanks to the timely evacuation on Wednesday, no injuries or casualties were reported. The building housed 26 tenants and a landlord, and the proactive decision to vacate proved life-saving.

An official from the BMC's B ward told Hindustan Times, "The building was not declared dilapidated, but tenants, upon experiencing vibrations, took the initiative to vacate on their own. It was a private, non-cessed building with rooms measuring 180-200 sq ft."