Mumbai building collapse: Death toll touches 34

Mumbai, Sep 1: The death toll in the Mumbai building collapse mounted to 34, while 15 others were feared trapped under the debris. The 117-year-old Huseini Building, which came down crashing in Bhendi bazar area in congested Bhendi Bazar area in south Mumbai yesterday, had been red-flagged as "dangerous" six years ago. The BMC Disaster Control said about 47 people have been pulled out from the debris and efforts were underway to rescue more people that may be still trapped in the rubble. Mumbai Guardian Minister Subhash Desai visited the site to review the rescue and relief operation, while state Health Minister Deepak Sawant visited J J Hospital where injured were being treated. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a compensation of Rs five lakh each to the next of the kin of the deceased. The state government will bear the medical expenses of injured, Mr Fadnavis added. He has also announced probe into the building crash. This was the second tragedy this monsson, as 17 people were killed when the 'Sai Darshan' building in Ghatkopar collapsed on July 25. UNI