Workers of Mazgaon Docks rescue building collapse victims

Workers of Mazgaon Docks who rescued civic workers staying in the ill-fated residential building said here today, that it was their duty to do so on humanitarian grounds.

Mazgaon Docks workers reached the spot in less than fifteen minutes after it came crashing down around 5.55 am today before the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the fire brigade arrived.

The distance between the collapsed Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) residential building and Mazgaon Docks, is less than 150 metres.

"Around 200 workers rushed to the spot to rescue victims. They were able to save as many five lives initially. With the help of the NDRF and fire brigade, they saved over 20 people by pulling them out of the debris," Mazagaon Docks Chairman and Managing Director R K Shrawat said.

"We also provided lunch to around 1500 people, including relatives of the survivors, policemen and to other officials. We have decided to serve dinner tonight and lunch in the afternoon tomorrow," he said.

Mazgaon Docks would also provide lights for rescue operations at night, he said.

Meanwhile, the city mayor and senior Shiv Sena corporator Sunil Prabhu said that they would not spare officials responsible for the building collapse.