Two Women on Ventilator After Trees Collapse Onto Auto-Rickshaw Near Mumbai Construction Site

Two young women remain in critical condition after two trees collapsed from beside an under-construction site onto a moving auto-rickshaw in Mumbai’s Khar West area, prompting police to book the developer for alleged negligence and triggering scrutiny of construction safety practices .

The accident took place on Sunday evening near Linking Road when a gulmohar tree and a cannonball tree reportedly crashed through metal barricades surrounding a redevelopment project managed by Bluestone Properties Pvt Ltd before falling onto the passing auto-rickshaw.

The injured were identified as Aarika Shrivastava (15) and Harshita Kumar (21), while Aarika’s elder sister, Manasvi Shrivastava (19), sustained minor injuries. Police said the three were travelling from Santacruz towards Bandra for snacks when the trees suddenly collapsed near a bus stop close to Rajkumar Jewellers.

Doctors at P. D. Hinduja Hospital said Aarika and Harshita suffered severe head trauma , skull fractures and brain clots. Both underwent emergency surgery late Sunday night and remain on ventilator support in the ICU. Family members said doctors are closely monitoring their condition over a critical 48-hour period.

Based on Manasvi’s complaint, Khar police registered an FIR against Bluestone Properties under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions relating to rash and negligent acts endangering life. Investigators said more charges could be added as the probe progresses.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation accused the developer of allegedly piling debris around the tree trunks, causing them to lean dangerously toward the road. Officials also said the company had not sought permission for tree trimming or removal.

Bluestone Properties denied responsibility, claiming the trees were old and termite-infested, and said it was cooperating with authorities while supporting the victims’ families.