Thane/IBNS, July 31 -- At least nine people were killed after a four-storey residential building collapsed in Bhiwandi in Maharashtra's Thane district late on Thursday night, media reports said.

Eight bodies have been recovered by rescue teams so far, while several others are feared trapped under the debris.

Rescue operation underway

The rescue operation is still underway.

Building had been declared dangerous

According to reports, the Bhiwandi Nizampur Municipal Corporation (BNMC) had earlier declared the building as dangerous.

Despite the warning, repair work was reportedly being carried out at the structure which is located at Balaji Nagar, Gangaram Wada, Bhiwandi.

Residents heard cracking sounds

Initial reports said residents h...