At least five people were killed after a landslide struck a residential area in Mumbai's Ghatkopar early Wednesday morning, while rescue teams continued an intensive search for people feared trapped beneath the debris.

The incident occurred around 3:48 am at Gaushiya Chawl in Chirag Nagar, Ghatkopar, according to information shared by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Mumbai Fire Brigade. A portion of a hillside collapsed, sending debris onto two to three houses in the densely populated area.

Five People Killed

Officials said five people had died in the incident. Four to five others were initially feared trapped under the rubble as rescue teams began clearing the collapsed material.

The operation involves personnel from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

Specialised victim-detection cameras are being used to search the debris for signs of life, allowing rescuers to inspect areas that cannot be accessed immediately through conventional methods.

Rescue Operation Underway

Rescue teams have been working through the debris while authorities assess the stability of the affected hillside and surrounding structures.

Officials said the exact number of people trapped could not immediately be confirmed. DCP Ganesh Shinde said three to four people were suspected to remain trapped beneath the debris as the operation continued.

The bodies recovered from the site were sent to a hospital for further procedures. Police said further legal action and investigation would follow.

Two Injured in Hospital

Two people injured in the landslide were taken to hospital and were reported to be stable.

They were identified as 18-year-old Sohel Ansari, who suffered a head injury, and 14-year-old Mohamad Ansari, who sustained a back injury.

Medical teams are continuing to monitor their condition.

Civic Officials Visit Site

BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde and Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Avinash Dhakne visited the affected location in Ghatkopar to assess the situation and review the rescue operation.

Tawde also announced financial assistance of ₹3 lakh for the families of those who died in the landslide. The assistance will be provided through the District Collector's Office.

Authorities are coordinating the rescue effort while continuing to assess the condition of nearby houses and the surrounding hillside.

Investigation to Follow

The landslide has raised concerns over safety in the densely populated hillside settlement, particularly during the monsoon season when heavy rainfall can increase the risk of slope failures.

Police and civic authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances leading to the collapse and assess whether any structural or environmental factors contributed to the incident.

For now, the priority remains locating anyone who may still be trapped and completing the rescue operation safely.