Mumbai Building kills at least 27 as it collapsed

A building that was being constructed illegally in a Mumbai suburb has collapsed, killing at least 27 people. Over 50 have been injured.

Police Inspector Digamber Jangale said 54 people were injured in the collapse Thursday (04-Apr-2013) evening in the Mumbai suburb of Thane. Rescuers were searching for more casualties in the debris early Friday.

He said the building did not have clearances from local authorities to be built. The first four floors had residences and offices that were occupied at the time of the collapse.

Most of the dead were construction workers who were staying in the building, Mr. Jangale said. The condition of at least 10 of the injured was serious.

The cause of the collapse wasn't immediately known. Police have arrested the builder and his associate.

The injured were admitted to various hospitals including Thane Civil, CSM Civic hospital at Kalwa, Kalsekar hospital in Kalwa, while those in critical condition were shifted to Sion and JJ Hospital.

Several people remain trapped under the debris and the rescue operations still continue.