Panic gripped residents of a ground-plus-four storey building on Gupte Road in Dombivli after cracks reportedly appeared in its pillars on Friday night, prompting an immediate evacuation.
The 35-year-old structure, named Simantini, houses 24 residents. The incident occurred around 8:30 PM when occupants noticed the cracks and promptly alerted the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) and the fire department.
MLA Rajesh More visited the spot and confirmed visible cracks in the beams and pillars after an inspection.
“Fortunately, no casualties were reported. The residents have fully cooperated with authorities and vacated the premises. I personally spoke with KDMC officials regarding the matter,” he said.
KDMC officials urged residents to stay away from the building, declaring it dangerously dilapidated. According to officials, the housing society had carried out repair works over the past year after being served a notice for conducting a structural audit.
Rajesh Sawant, Ward Officer of KDMC, told The Free Press Journal that they received the alert around 10:00 PM.
“Our team, along with the fire brigade and local police, rushed to the spot and evacuated all residents safely,” he said.
The building has now been categorized under the C1 classification indicating it is unsafe for habitation. “We allowed residents to retrieve their essential belongings one by one under supervision. Entry to the building has been restricted,” Sawant added.
