Survivors Haunted by Screams, Then Silence and Loss of Loved Ones

Virar building collapse: CM announces ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh to the families of each victim; minister Girish Mahajan visited the site and reviewed rescue ops

- Megha Parmar

Two days after the Ramabai Apartment collapsed in Virar, the long list of the deceased painted a devastating picture. Besides the Jovil family that succumbed while celebrating their daughter Uttkarsha's first birthday, the collapse wiped out the Newadkars — Sachin, 40, his wife Supriya, 38, and their son Arnav, 11. Also killed were Parvati Sakpal, 60, Dinesh Sakpal, 43, Laxman Singh, 26, Dipesh Soni, 41, Harish Singh Bist, 34, Sonali Tejam, 41, Deepak Singh Bohra, 25, Kashish and Subhangi Saheni, Govind Rawat, 28, and Rohini Chavan, 52.

Neighbours recall hearing terrified screams as the building began to crumble, followed by eerie silence. For those who survived, survivor's guilt now weighs heavy. "I stepped out to buy milk when the walls came down," said one resident, tears welling. "My wife and son are gone."

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow, announcing an ex-gratia of Rs5 lakh to the families of each victim. "We will ensure accountability and support the affected," he assured.

Disaster Management and Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan personally visited the site at Ramabai Apartment, reviewing rescue and relief operations. He directed that the civic body bear the full cost of medical treatment for the injured.