Ghatkopar building collapse: Infant goes missing, then found dead

On a land full of debris, Mehul Dongre, a resident of the third floor of the Sai Siddhi building that collapsed, was searching for his mother, father, and 13-month-old son Krishi, on Tuesday morning, only to find, after much searching, that he had died.

After a few hours of rescue operations, people on the spot had started claiming the 13-month-old baby had been rescued and sent to hospital. Mehul's friends started gathering at the spot to help him and his family.

Mehul Dongare, who works at HUL, had said, "My father and mother have been trapped under the debris, while my son was rescued and declared fit, while he was missing all morning. I learnt from locals that he was stable after receiving first aid and have been taken to a hospital by the authorities. However, when I enquired with the hospitals, they said they have no idea about my son. I also asked police to help me search for him, but they said they could only do so after registering a missing persons complaint. I am willing to do that, but I have to be here at the spot as my mother and father are also trapped. I don't know what to do."

Since Krishi's disappearance, Mehul's friend searched for him in different private hospitals and civic-run Rajawadi hospital.

"We have been waiting to hear about Krishi. He was rescued according to the rescue authority, but has gone missing after he was taken in an ambulance. We have been waiting for three to four hours to find out where he has been taken," said one of Mehul Dongare's friends, who did not wish to be named.

According to the rescue authority, Krishi was retrieved from the debris at around 5 pm in the evening, along with his grandmother, but not in the afternoon.

Shobha Ashar, ex-corporator from the ward who was present at Rajawadi Hospital, said, "We were all searching for the child. He was declared dead at Rajawadi Hospital around 8 pm. He was taken to the paediatric ward of another hospital, and was later declared dead."