Ghatkopar landslide leaves two dead, several feared trapped as rescue teams race against time

At least two people were killed and several others were feared trapped after a landslide struck a chawl in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area in the early hours of Wednesday, triggering a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple emergency agencies.

The incident took place at around 3:48 a.m. at Gaushiya Chawl in Chirag Nagar, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Fire Brigade.

Preliminary information suggests that a portion of a nearby hillock collapsed onto the residential settlement, sending a large amount of debris onto two to three houses. Authorities initially feared that five to six people could be trapped beneath the rubble.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Ganesh Shinde later confirmed that two people had died, while several others were still believed to be trapped. He said rescue teams were working at the site and estimated that three to four people could still be underneath the debris, although the exact number was yet to be confirmed.

The bodies of the deceased have been shifted to a hospital for further procedures. Police have also begun the necessary legal process and will conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances that led to the landslide.

The rescue operation is being jointly carried out by the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Personnel are carefully removing debris while simultaneously searching for signs of survivors.

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Two injured people have also been taken to hospital. They were identified as 18-year-old Sohel Ansari, who suffered a head injury, and 14-year-old Mohamad Ansari, who sustained injuries to his back. Both are reported to be in stable condition.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakne visited the affected area to assess the situation and oversee the relief and rescue efforts.

The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by residents living in vulnerable areas of Mumbai, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when unstable slopes can become susceptible to landslides. Authorities are continuing to clear the debris and search the affected structures, with the immediate priority being to locate and evacuate anyone who may still be trapped.

Further details are awaited as the rescue operation continues.