Raigad: The death toll in a five-storey building collapsed in Raigad district of Maharashtra has increased to 16 on Monday. It has 7 males and 9 females. Relief and rescue operations are still going on at the site of the accident.
Meanwhile, a woman named Mehrunisa Abdul Hameed Qazi, who was trapped in the debris for 26 hours after the incident, was also rescued. They were pulled out of the rubble Tuesday night with the help of rescuers. She lived on the fifth floor of the building. NDRF jawans evacuated Qazi at around 9.45 pm and sent to the hospital.
When the large crowds that had gathered around got the first glimpse of the women as the jawans hoisted her on their arms, there was a thunderous applause – both for the old lady and his saviours.
Some of the people present were seen shedding tears of joy at the sight and others raised a chorus of ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ – as the state is both celebrating Ganeshotsav and observing Muharrum.
Many were heard profusely thanking the ‘Vignarharta’ (Remover of Obstacles) Lord Ganesha for ensuring that the muslim lady emerged unscathed from the hell-hole where he spent a horrifying 26 hours in total darkness, without food or water, missing his near and dear ones, and uncertain of his own fate.
