Civic body begins probe into Thane building collapse

The search for survivors at the site of the building that collapsed in Thane Tuesday morning. (Express Photo by Deepak Joshi)

The Thane Municipal Corporation has initiated an inquiry into the building collapse in which 11 persons died and five were injured.

Krishna Niwas, a ground-plus-three building, collapsed near B cabin area in the early hours of Tuesday. “We have initiated a probe into the incident. Though the building was around 30-35 years old, it was in good condition. Else, we would have served evacuation notice on the owners. The preliminary inquiry reveals that an alteration in its original structure damaged its pillars and resulted into the disaster,” said Manoj Joshi, Deputy Commissioner of Thane Municipal Corporation.

“The residents and neighbours said that a shop of Gangaram stamp was not in use for about 15 years and recently the work had started. Some residents said that a pillar was hugely damaged in this renovation. Now we are trying to find the owner of it,” added Joshi.

Meanwhile, the municipal authorities have decided to ask for the structural audit of 30-year-old buildings in Thane.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com