In a concerning incident in Kalyan, a portion of a slab from the first floor of a residential building in Dombivli collapsed on Monday morning at 10:30 am, resulting in injuries to three individuals. One person sustained significant injuries, while two others suffered minor harm, highlighting the urgent need for building safety assessments in older structures.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Measures
Officials from the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) and the fire brigade swiftly responded to the scene, initiating immediate rescue operations to ensure the safety of residents. The building, identified as Aadhar Co-operative Housing Society, is approximately 38 years old and features a ground-plus-four floor design with a total of 45 flats, raising questions about the structural integrity of aging residential properties in the region.
Precautionary Actions and Structural Audit
KDMC's ward officer, Prasad Thakur, emphasized that as a precautionary measure, the entire building has been evacuated to prevent any further risks. Residents have been strictly instructed not to re-enter the premises until further notice, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. Thakur stated, "We have advised residents to conduct a comprehensive structural audit to evaluate the building's condition. The future of the structure, whether it can be repaired and made habitable or requires demolition, will be determined based on the findings of this audit report."
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks for older buildings, particularly in densely populated urban areas like Dombivli. The KDMC's proactive approach aims to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the well-being of all affected residents.
