Mumbai: 14 Dead, 70 Injured as Giant Billboard Collapses in Ghatkopar Storm
Mumbai, 14th May 2024: Amidst a fierce storm that swept through Mumbai on Monday evening, a tragic incident unfolded as a towering billboard, standing at 100 feet tall, collapsed opposite a fuel station in the Ghatkopar area. This calamity claimed the lives of 14 individuals and left over 70 injured, casting a sombre shadow over the city.
Caught on CCTV, the massive billboard, erected by Ego Media, plummeted with alarming force onto the fuel station below, causing devastation as it tore through car roofs before crashing to the ground. Promptly, search and rescue efforts commenced, with teams from the NDRF collaborating with the Mumbai Fire Brigade and other agencies in a race against time to aid the affected.
It has come to light that the hoarding, installed on a plot leased to the Police Welfare Corporation by the Maharashtra government’s Police Housing Division, lacked the necessary authorization from the BMC before its installation. Consequently, Mumbai Police initiated legal proceedings against the owner of Ego Media and other implicated parties.
As Mumbai grappled with the aftermath of the storm, which engulfed the city in darkness, residents took to social media to share harrowing accounts of the chaos. The transportation network suffered significant disruptions, with local trains and airport services suspended due to adverse weather conditions.
Issuing urgent warnings, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall for Mumbai and its environs. While the unanticipated rain brought relief from the oppressive heat, power outages compounded the challenges faced by residents in various districts, exacerbating the impact of the storm.
In response to the tragedy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the collapse site, pledging a comprehensive structural audit of all billboards across the city. He affirmed the government’s commitment to swiftly address any illegal or hazardous structures, promising accountability for those responsible. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the families of each victim, acknowledging the profound loss suffered by the community.
