LOC23:51
20:51 GMT
NEW DELHI, Aug 31 (KUNA) -- Indian authorities on Thursday said that at least 24 people were killed and scores of others injured as a five-story building collapsed in Mumbai.
Quoting a fire and safety official, the Press Trust of India said that at least 24 bodies were pulled out from the debris while dozens are injured in wake of the collapse of 117-year-old building at Bhendi Bazaar in south Mumbai.
According to local sources, the death toll may go up as a number of people are still feared trapped inside the collapsed building.
The rescue operation is continuing into the night in search of people dead or alive inside the building which contained housing units, a school play ground and offices.
The tragedy struck following torrential rain which hit Mumbai crippling civil services, and road and air transport services were severely affected.
A number of houses and other buildings were also inundated leaving at least 10 people dead and thousands affected.
According to local residents, the ramshackle structure was weakened due to the incessant downpour which resulted in its collapse. (end)
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