Man recorded desperate message after being trapped under collapsed building
Topics: Film and TV, Health, India, World News
Poppy Bilderbeck
Featured Image Credit: BBC
Topics: Film and TV, Health, India, World News
Warning: This article contains graphic images and video which some readers may find distressing.
A man recorded a heartbreaking message for his wife after becoming trapped underneath a building in Mumbai for almost 10 hours.
In the early hours of the morning on September 21, 2020, a three-storey building collapsed in Bhiwandi, Mumbai - the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra.
While rescue teams rushed to help, Khalid Khan recorded a video message from where he remained trapped underneath the rubble.
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The Government of India's National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) 'immediately mobilized its 01 CSSR team from its nearest base at Mumbai, Maharashtra for prompt response'.
Given the scale of the devastation, 'two more teams' were mobilized and agencies combined forces, its website stated.
The NDRF continued: "As the victims were trapped inside the debris, due care and diligence were taken by the response agencies. NDRF responders used high-tech equipment & Canine to locate the trapped victims. NDRF teams relentlessly conducted Search and Rescue operations for 78 hrs i.e. from 0600 hrs on 21.09.2020 to 1125 hrs on 24.09.2020."
However, in fear of not making it out alive Khalid decided to record a message.
In a video shared by the BBC to YouTube, Khalid explains he took shelter under a bed.
"This pillar came crashing down on one side," he continues. "My leg has been stuck for two hours now."
He then moves the camera, showing dust, debris and the destruction around him.
In the video, he adds: "If I survive then bring me a million thanks, if not, then Allah please."
Thankfully, the BBC also shows the moment he was found by rescuers, with a member of the team shouting down to Khalid and reassuring him: "Don't be scared. We will get you out."
The NDRF report stated it 'rescued nine persons alive' and 'retrieved 31 dead bodies' and that all agencies 'rescued 20 persons alive and retried 41 dead bodies' during the operation.
It added: "After accounting for all the victims, the operation was called off at 241125 hrs by the SDM Bhiwandi."
After being rescued from the rubble, Khalid resolved: "I have been given a new life by God. I wasn't sure if I would survive so I recorded the video for my wife."
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