Cylinder Blast Triggers Chawl Collapse In Mumbai; 12 Rescued, Several Feared Trapped

A suspected cylinder blast caused a chawl to collapse in Mumbai, injuring several. 12 rescued so far, search and rescue operations are ongoing.

Rescue teams search for survivors after a Mumbai chawl partially collapsed in Bandra East.

Source : ANI

Mumbai woke up to a shocking incident today, on Friday morning after a suspected cylinder explosion led to partial collapse of a residential chawl in the city. The explosion occurred around 7:50 AM, shaking the neighbourhood and prompting an urgent response.

Chaos Unfolds As Floors Cave In

#UPDATE: Seven people are injured and admitted to the nearby Bhabha Hospital for treatment. The second and third floors of a ground-plus-three-floor chawl structure have collapsed, trapping 8 to 10 people under the debris. Rescue operations are ongoing https://t.co/aM5E7kuVA6

— IANS (@ians_india) July 18, 2025

According to preliminary findings, the blast took place inside the building. It triggered the sudden collapse of the second and third floors of a ground-plus-three-floor chawl structure. In the aftermath, 8 to 10 people are feared to be trapped under the debris.

The eyewitnesses described the moments after the explosion as terrifying. Locals rushed out of their homes, only to find parts of the structure reduced to rubble. Cries for help echoed through the narrow lanes as neighbours and emergency responders sprang into action.

Rescue Efforts In Full Swing

So far, 12 individuals have been rescued from beneath the debris. The injured have been admitted to the nearest hospital for treatment, where they continue to receive medical care. Seven have been shifted to Bhabha Hospital with injuries sustained during the collapse.

Rescue and relief operations are being carried out by teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The area has been cordoned off, and rescue personnel are using specialised equipment to search for survivors.

A statement from the Mumbai Police confirmed the sequence of events: “The incident occurred at 7.50 AM today. According to the initial investigation, a cylinder blast took place in the building, after which some parts of the building suddenly collapsed. Relief and rescue work is being carried out by the Fire Department, Mumbai Police and BMC at the spot.”

As operations continue, authorities remain on high alert, working against time to ensure no one is left behind under the debris. Further updates are awaited as the situation unfolds.