Mumbai: An under-repair water tank collapsed at the Siddhivinayak Society near Shahu Nagar in Dharavi injuring seven people and destroying around four shanties in the vicinity on Sunday. The injured were admitted to the nearby Sion Hospital.
Fire officials said the incident happened around 12.30 am and a fire engine along with three ambulances were sent to the spot. “We had to bring out people who were stuck in the debris. Most of them also fell unconscious immediately because of shock,” said a fire official. The water tank, located next to the shanties, is being repaired to supply water to the residents of Shahu Nagar. The repair work was undertaken just 15 days ago, residents said.
“We heard a loud noise but couldn’t figure out what was happening. My house has been completely destroyed, I don’t know where I will go with my daughter now,” said Bhima Jasud, who suffered injuries on the head and elbow. The other injured residents include Poonam Jasud, Rahul Patil, Suraksha Nakri, Santosh Gawde, Prashanth Mitagiri and Ramnath Bhoir. Of the seven injured, Bhoir has sustained serious head injuries, officials said.
Mayor Snehal Ambekar, who visited the site, said, “We will make temporary arrangements at a nearby municipal school till we find an alternate accommodation for the residents. As the contractors did not take precautions, we will also take action against them.” Ambekar also visited the hospital and said that all the injured were in a stable condition, four of them were also discharged by
the evening.
Locals in the area have also alleged that the contractor undertaking the work of not taking precautionary measures for the repair-work.
“We had told the authorities to provide us another space till the repair work is completed but they undertook the work without even giving us a prior notice. If we are not compensated, we will stay in the compound right next to the water tank to fight against these people,” said Sunil Nakti, a resident of the area. The society comprises nearly 25 shanties.
