Vasai Building Sinks During Nearby Construction, 23 Families Evacuated

Twenty-three families were evacuated and a residential building was demolished after it began sinking into the ground in the Gokhivere area of Vasai East on Wednesday evening.

The incident took place at Shalom Apartment, located in the Lagipada locality. The ground-plus-three-storey building comprises 23 flats and was constructed in 2012. Prior to the incident, the structure had not been classified as dangerous by civic authorities.

According to officials, the sinking occurred while piling work was being carried out next to the building for a project by Setu Van Infra. During the construction activity, the B Wing of Shalom Apartment began sinking into the ground.

In response to the emergency, civic officials from the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), personnel from the fire brigade, and staff from the Waliv police station rushed to the site. All residents from the 23 flats were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

After inspecting the site, the civic body found the structure to be in a highly dangerous condition and carried out its demolition on Thursday.

Nilesh Mhatre, assistant commissioner of Ward G, confirmed that the building was not previously considered dangerous and stated that the adjoining piling work had apparently caused it to sink.