Tragedy struck Mumbai’s Byculla area on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, when a portion of an old building collapsed, seriously injuring two women. Sadly, after battling for her life for two days at Nair Hospital, 35-year-old Naziya Khan passed away on Friday, May 30.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at Ashrafi Mazil, Badlu Ramgari Street, opposite Farzand Airport in Byculla West—a busy area with significant traffic and pedestrian movement. The building was reportedly in poor condition, further weakened by heavy rainfall earlier that week. It is understood that a part of the fifth-floor gallery structure suddenly gave way, trapping both women beneath the debris.
Emergency services, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai Fire Department, BMC Ward Staff, and the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), responded swiftly to the scene. Both women, Naziya Khan and 30-year-old Khushnuma Khatoon, were quickly transported by ambulance to Nair Hospital. While Khushnuma’s condition remains stable, Naziya Khan succumbed to her injuries after two days of intensive care.
The collapsed building falls under the “cessed” category, indicating it was constructed before 1969 and is classified as an old, rent-controlled structure. Such buildings are known to be at higher risk of structural failure without regular maintenance.
In the aftermath of the collapse, authorities acted promptly to clear debris and restore normalcy to the area. The Mumbai Fire Department has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse and to assess whether any negligence was involved.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding ageing infrastructure in Mumbai and the urgent need for rigorous safety measures in cessed buildings.
Source: Mid-day
