11 killed in building collapse in Mumbai

MUMBAI: At least 11 people were killed and 30 others injured when a portion of a five-story building collapsed after heavy monsoon rains in downtown Mumbai, police said on Wednesday.

"There could be more people trapped under the debris," said police officer Dheeraj Chauhan, adding that the torrential rains were hampering rescue efforts.

Narrow lanes leading up to the building and the proximity of the structure to other apartment blocks also slowed down rescue work.

Firefighters struggled along with volunteers to sift through mounds of concrete beams and smashed wooden furniture.

Police estimate the dilapidated building was around 65 years old. Heavy monsoon rainfall and shoddy building construction are often blamed for building collapses in Mumbai.