Ulhasnagar: A portion of a dilapidated two-storey building collapsed in Ulhasnagar Camp 3 around midnight, triggering panic among nearby residents. Fortunately, no one was present below the structure at the time of the incident, averting a major tragedy.

The incident took place at Kalyandas Niwas, located at Panel 11, Barrack No. 1001. Residents said the building had been in a dangerous condition for a long time. A portion of the slab and wall suddenly collapsed with a loud noise, following which frightened residents rushed out of their homes.

According to locals, the building is mostly vacant, with only one or two people staying on the ground floor. Residents claimed that pieces of plaster and parts of the structure have been falling regularly, raising concerns about the safety of people living nearby.

They have urged the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation to immediately inspect the building and take necessary action, including securing or sealing the unsafe structure to prevent any untoward incident.

Residents have also expressed concern that continued deterioration, especially during the monsoon, could lead to a larger collapse and pose a threat to nearby houses and pedestrians. The civic authorities are expected to assess the condition of the building and decide on further measures.