Five children killed as godown wall collapses

The Jubilee Mill compound houses various old godowns,commercial structures and residential structures.

H A Kale,Assistant Municipal Commissioner,F South Ward,said,“The Jubilee Mill Compound belonged to a private builder,RM Bhuttad. The property was up for redevelopment. While the open plot in the compound had been handed over to MHADA”.

The children had been playing in the open ground of the mill,adjacent to which were many old godowns. The wall of one such godown fell on the children.

“The wall of the godown was about 35-40 ft high and though it was not classified as extremely dangerous,it looked in a dilapidated condition,” said Kale. “It should have been the responsibility of the private owner to have more safety measures. Also,usually the MHADA,which in this case has taken over the open ground,builds a boundary wall for its structures to ward off trespassers. This time as there was no boundary wall the children jumped into the open plot to play,” said Kale. The property in Jubilee Mill Compound had been slated for redevelopment. According to civic officials,plans for redevelopment under 33/7 were approved by the BMC and the and commencement certificate (CC) had also been given. However,two years ago,urban renewal scheme was introduced under 33/9 (cluster development),for which papers had been sent to the building proposal department. The proposal is currently being studied by the BMC,said officials.

While bodies of four of the boys were removed from the debris,the fifth victim,Shaufiq,died during treatment in KEM Hospital. Locals alleged the fire-brigade did not arrive promptly after the incident.

“A case is yet to be registered against anyone in connection with the incident,” said Kale.