India police: 20 die, 21 hurt in building collapse

MUMBAI, India - At least 20 people were killed and 21 others injured when part of a five-story building collapsed after heavy monsoon rains in downtown Mumbai, police said Wednesday.

"There could be more people trapped under the debris," said police officer Dheeraj Chauhan, adding that torrential rains were hampering rescue efforts.

Police said 11 people died in the wreckage while nine others who were critically injured died later in hospitals.

The building was in a crowded residential neighborhood with narrow lanes, making it difficult for rescue workers to provide medical treatment at the site, Chauhan said.

"There are 100 such buildings in Mumbai, where anything can happen in the monsoon," police officer K.L. Prasad told Reuters from Mumbai.

"Today's accident is an example and was waiting to happen."

Firefighters struggled along with volunteers to sift through mounds of concrete beams and smashed wooden furniture.

Police estimate the dilapidated building was around 65 years old.

Heavy monsoon rainfall and shoddy building construction are often blamed for building collapses in Mumbai.

More from msnbc.com FirstPerson: Reasons why readers are thankful Elkhart Project: Money pours in, pet adoptions increase Swine flu fears for hajj pilgrims 570,000 pager messages from 9/11 released   Silver Lining: Tales of struggle and hope On Twitter: Breaking news updates | Weird and wild

MORE FROM SOUTH & CENTRAL ASIA

South & Central Asia Section Front

NYT: Taliban reopen northern Afghan front Patrols and turkey in Afghan combat zone   German military chief sacked over airstrike Commandos, candles as Mumbai marks attacks President vs. party on troop increase Taliban leader to Muslims: Continue jihad Year after Mumbai attacks, Pakistan charges 7 Obama to speak Tuesday on Afghanistan policy Indian PM warns Pakistan on terrorism Wooing of Taliban fighters is dangerous game South & Central Asia Section Front   Add South & Central Asia headlines to your news reader: