Mumbai: A tragic incident in Maharashtra’s Palghar district has left an entire community devastated after a portion of a four-storey building collapsed in Virar, killing 15 people, including a mother and her young daughter who had just finished celebrating birthday.

The collapse occurred shortly after midnight on August 27, when the rear section of the 13-year-old Ramabai Apartment in Vijay Nagar crumbled without warning. Among the victims were 24-year-old Aarohi Joyal and her one-year-old daughter, Utkarsha, who had been cutting a birthday cake minutes earlier with family. Their father, Omkar Joyal, remains missing as rescue teams continue their search.

Heartbreaking images from the family’s final moments show the home decorated with balloons and lights, the couple smiling with their child as they celebrated, unaware of the impending disaster.

Rescue and clearance operations, led by the National Disaster Response Force and the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation’s fire department, have been ongoing for over 30 hours. Officials said the congested location initially slowed the deployment of heavy machinery, forcing rescuers to work manually before larger equipment could be brought in. So far, fifteen people have been confirmed dead, with six others still receiving treatment for serious injuries and three discharged after medical care. Authorities fear more victims may remain trapped beneath the debris.

The building, constructed in 2012 and housing 50 flats, was confirmed to be an unauthorised structure. The collapse not only destroyed 12 flats but also caused debris to fall onto a nearby tenement, which fortunately was vacant, preventing further casualties.

The Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation has filed a complaint, leading to the arrest of the building’s developer.

Officials have since evacuated nearby buildings as a precaution, with displaced families temporarily relocated to Chandansar Samajmandir, where food, water, and medical assistance are being provided.