Warning: This article contains graphic images and video that may be distressing to some readers.
A man, who found himself trapped under a building in Mumbai for nearly 10 hours, recorded a sorrowful message for his wife.
On September 21, 2020, in the early morning hours, a three-storey building in Bhiwandi, Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra, India, collapsed.
Rescue teams quickly arrived on the scene, and during this time, Khalid Khan recorded a video message while trapped beneath the debris.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) of the Government of India ‘immediately mobilized its 01 CSSR team from its nearest base at Mumbai, Maharashtra for prompt response’.
Due to the extent of the damage, ‘two more teams’ were mobilized, and multiple agencies worked together, according to the NDRF website.
The NDRF elaborated: “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.”
Fearing that he might not survive, Khalid decided to leave a message.
In a video uploaded to YouTube by the BBC, Khalid explains that he took cover under a bed.
“This pillar came crashing down on one side,” he says. “My leg has been stuck for two hours now.”
He then moves the camera to show the dust, debris, and destruction surrounding him.
In his message, he adds: “If I survive then bring me a million thanks, if not, then Allah please.”
Fortunately, the BBC video also captures the moment rescuers found Khalid, with one team member shouting to him and offering reassurance: “Don’t be scared. We will get you out.”
The NDRF report indicated that it ‘rescued nine persons alive’ and ‘retrieved 31 dead bodies’. During the entire operation, all agencies ‘rescued 20 persons alive and retrieved 41 dead bodies’.
The report concluded: “After accounting for all the victims, the operation was called off at 241125 hrs by the SDM Bhiwandi.”
After his rescue, Khalid reflected: “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.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and need to talk to someone confidentially, contact The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.