2 killed, 6 trapped after portion of hill collapses on homes in Mumbai

A landslide in Mumbai's Ghatkopar killed at least two people after a large section of a hillside collapsed onto six to seven shanties, trapping several residents under the debris.

In Short

• Two people confirmed dead and two injured in Ghatkopar landslide
• Large section of the hillside collapsed onto six to seven shanties
• Rescue operations involving police, NDRF, fire brigade, BMC underway

At least two people were killed, two were injured and six others were trapped after a large portion of a hill collapsed onto several shanties in Mumbai's Ghatkopar early Wednesday following heavy rain, triggering a major search and rescue operation.

The landslide occurred around 3 am in the Ashok Nagar area while residents were asleep. A large section of the hillside collapsed onto six to seven shanties, trapping several people under the debris.

Local residents were among the first to respond and managed to pull five to six people out of the rubble, according to eyewitnesses. Rescue teams later reached the site and began searching the debris for those still trapped.

DCP Ganesh Shinde said two bodies had been recovered so far and around six people were feared trapped.

"Due to the rain, a landslide has occurred in the Ashok Nagar area under the jurisdiction of the Ghatkopar police. Two bodies have been recovered so far, and rescue operation is underway...while we cannot confirm the exact number at this stage, it is suspected that three to four people may still be trapped under the debris," Shinde said.

"The bodies of those who lost their lives in the landslide have been sent to a hospital for further procedures. The Ghatkopar Police will take the necessary legal action and carry out further investigation in the matter," he added.

Police personnel have been deployed at the site along with teams from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigade and other agencies, he said.

According to a report by the news agency PTI, the landslide was reported at Gaushiya Chawl in Chirag Nagar at around 3.48 am following heavy rain.

Search and rescue operations were underway with fire brigade, police, NDRF, ambulance services and civic ward teams deployed at the site.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and Additional Municipal Commissioner in charge of Eastern Suburbs Avinash Dhakne also inspected the landslide site.

Two injured people were also taken to the civic-run Bhabha Hospital in Kurla. Sohel Ansari, 18, suffered a head injury, while 14-year-old sustained a back injury. Both were reported to be in stable condition.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde also reached the spot to supervise the rescue operation.

Authorities are continuing to clear the debris and search for people who may still be trapped, while teams on the ground are assessing the extent of damage caused by the landslide.

- Ends