Mahad building collapse: Death toll rises to 10; rescue operation on for 22 hours

The death toll in the Mahad building collapse has risen to ten and several are still missing. The rescue operation has been going on for more than 22 hours.

Six bodies were found in the last two hours in the debris, officials said. More than 60 people have been rescued so far.

The rescue officials had a brief moment of relief when they pulled out a four-year-old alive from the debris this afternoon. A video showed them bursting into cheers when the boy was found. 

Three teams of the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) and 12 teams of the fire brigade are at the spot. There were around 40 flats in the building, the official said, adding those rescued were shifted to a local hospital at Mahad, which is around 170 km from Mumbai.

This morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "Saddened by the building collapse in Mahad, Raigad in Maharashtra. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their dear ones. I pray the injured recover soon. Local authorities and NDRF teams are at the site of the tragedy, providing all possible assistance."

#UPDATE Death toll rises to 9 in the building collapse in Raigad, Maharashtra.

— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2020