Pics: Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 18: In a shocking incident, six-month-old Arvi and Manisha (25) were killed when a banyan tree came crushing upon them outside the CR-II mall in Nariman Point on Sunday July 17 night. The two along with family had gone to Inox cinema to watch a movie.

Arvi was rushed to the GT Hospital while Manisha was taken to the St George Hospital, where they were pronounced brought dead. Manisha had crushed her jaw bone. Naresh, Arvi's father is a businessman; they are residents of Hira Building on VP Road.

A three-hour long rescue operation was undertaken by the fire brigade which extricated 12 cars trapped under the tree. Locals helped rescue those trapped inside the cars.

The tree is one of the biggest trees ever to fall in this region. Banyan trees are usually firmly rooted and do not collapse easily, a police official said. Police commissioner Arup Patnaik who visited the spot informed that expert opinion will be taken before deciding whether a criminal case can be lodged.

According to the Marine Drive police officials the incident took place at around 8.45pm. Locals swung into action before the fire brigade and cops reached the spot.

A Bentley and a Mercedes belonging to leading developer Niranjan Hiranandani and his brother were also damaged. Some of the people trapped in their cars managed to come out of the rubble themselves. Pankaj Mishra and his son, Param, were seated in their Maruti Swift when the tree collapsed on it. Param sustained minor injuries and helped out others who were trapped.