2 dead, 8 injured as portion of building collapses in Virar; several feared trapped, rescue operations underway

THANE: At least two people dead and eight others injured after a section of Ramabai Apartment in Virar East collapsed during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.Officials said around several people are feared trapped under the debris. Rescue teams from police, fire brigade, NDRF, and ambulances reached the site soon after the collapse.Locals said one wing of the two-winged structure came crashing down while a birthday party for a one-year-old girl was underway on the fourth floor. “Around 15-20 people are feared trapped,” an eyewitness said.So far, eight people have been rescued and admitted to VVCMC hospital. Authorities have evacuated the other wing of the building to avoid further casualties, while the extent of damage is being assessed as rescue work continues.