Old Building Scare in Thane: Residents Safely Evacuated After Plaster Collapse

Thane, Maharashtra – In a narrow escape for residents, around 10 people were safely evacuated from a seven-storey residential building in Thane after portions of plaster from upper floors fell on Tuesday morning, triggering panic and raising alarm about the structure’s deteriorating condition.

The incident occurred at Sunflower Tower, a ground-plus-seven-floor residential building located near the Thane Police School in the Kharkar Ali area. The 40-year-old building has now been deemed structurally vulnerable and awaits a detailed audit before any further occupancy is permitted.

Plaster Collapse Sparks Emergency Response

The Regional Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of Thane Municipal Corporation received an emergency alert at around 9:45 a.m. from a local resident. The caller reported that chunks of plaster had detached from the second and third-floor galleries, causing visible cracks and structural instability across several parts of the building.

Responding swiftly, Yasin Tadvi, an officer from the RDMC, along with an executive engineer and personnel from Jawaharbagh Fire Station, arrived on the scene with a fire engine to coordinate rescue and safety measures. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all present occupants were evacuated safely.

Building in Precarious State, Vacated as Precaution

 

Authorities reported that the majority of flats in Sunflower Tower were unoccupied, minimizing the risk of casualties. However, the plaster fall and visible signs of structural damage were serious enough to warrant complete evacuation of all remaining residents.

“Out of caution, we evacuated the remaining residents and have sealed off the building pending a full structural safety audit,” Tadvi stated. The Assistant Commissioner has already ordered an immediate inspection by certified engineers to determine the building’s safety and identify the required remedial steps.

Aging Infrastructure Poses Recurring Risk

Thane, like many other parts of urban Maharashtra, is home to hundreds of aging residential buildings that are structurally compromised due to years of wear and tear, poor maintenance, and monsoon-induced deterioration. Sunflower Tower, with over four decades of standing, fits the profile of buildings that require urgent inspection, repairs, or even redevelopment.

Urban development experts have repeatedly warned of the dangers posed by old buildings, particularly during the monsoon season when leakages and material erosion further weaken structural integrity.

Civic Authorities on High Alert

The incident has once again drawn attention to the need for proactive safety checks and timely repair measures in old buildings across Thane and Mumbai. Civic officials have stated that a list of high-risk buildings is being updated and monitored more closely during the monsoon months to avert any untoward incidents.

Residents of nearby buildings expressed concern after the evacuation and demanded more transparent communication from the authorities regarding the safety status of their homes. “We are relieved that no one was hurt, but this raises serious concerns about other old buildings in the area,” said a resident from a neighboring tower.

Awaiting Structural Audit Results

The structural audit of Sunflower Tower will help determine whether the building can be repaired and reoccupied, or whether it will be declared unsafe for habitation. Until then, the premises will remain sealed, and access will be restricted to authorized personnel only.

Officials have confirmed that no timeline has been set yet for the audit's completion, and residents will have to await clearance before any decisions about reoccupation or redevelopment are made.

Conclusion: Timely Evacuation Prevents Tragedy

Thanks to swift action from Thane’s disaster management team, a potential tragedy was averted at Sunflower Tower. While no lives were lost, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to assess and reinforce aging buildings in urban India.

As monsoon rains continue to batter the city, authorities are urging housing societies to undertake timely audits and maintenance checks to ensure resident safety. For now, the Sunflower Tower incident is under close watch as the city awaits a detailed report to determine the building's fate.