Mumbai building collapse toll reaches 17

The overnight death toll in the building crash here shot up to 17 even as rescue operations continued on Wednesday morning, an official said.

Five more bodies were recovered from the debris of the Sai Darshan building at Damodar Park area in Ghatkopar which collapsed like a pack of cards on Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday night, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited the spot and reviewed the situation.

"It is a very sad and unfortunate incident," he said, adding that a probe has been ordered and the report would be submitted in a fortnight's time.

After meeting the victims and residents, Fadnavis assured strict action against those responsible.

The owner of the ground floor of the building, Shiv Sena leader Sunil Shitap, who allegedly took renovation to convert his hospital to a guest house, was detained by the police.

Teams of BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation, Mumbai Fire Brigade and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were continuing with the search operation.

So far they have rescued 28 persons but a few more were still feared trapped under the rubble.

--IANS

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