Many people lost their families and belongings after the wall collapsed in Malad's Pimpripada. But a 45-year-old man, who lost his house in the mishap, managed to prevent more losses of lives by using his presence of mind.
According to DNA, 45-year-old Udaybhan Yadav, a resident of the said area and a driver by profession, realised that the entire spot had a high possibility of being electrocuted as the power connection was not suspended and also kids of the locality started complaining of getting electric shocks. Speaking to DNA, Yadav said, "The entire scenario was terrifying. My entire family disappeared for an hour, and no one had a clue to act immediately on the situation. After securing my kids and wife, I tried to rescue others from the debris out of concern. Gradually, the kids, who were rescued, started complaining of getting electric shocks and this made me realise that if not acted now, the entire locality might get electrocuted and this might make the situation worse."
After the wall collapse, many aluminium sheets from the slums were floating on water. As the water was everywhere, it intensified the possibility of causing electrocution. But Yadav, did not panic and used his presence of mind and along with other locals immediately pulled off the electric connection from the main socket. Yadav's move saved seven people from getting electrocuted. "The pointed fencing, slabs of the collapsed wall, pieces of stones and scattered home appliances had already injured many people and if there was electrocution, things would have gone for a toss," Yadav told the DNA.
The incident happened around 2 am when a compound wall in Pimpripada in Malad east area collapsed and people living in shanties adjacent to the wall got trapped under the debris.
