Mumbai billboard collapse: A devastating storm struck Mumbai on Monday evening, leading to the collapse of a massive 100-foot billboard that resulted in the tragic deaths of 14 persons and left more than seventy injured.
The billboard, located opposite a fuel station in the Ghatkopar area, fell with immense force, crushing cars and causing significant damage. CCTV footage captured the moment the metal structure tore through the roofs of several vehicles before hitting the ground.
Watch the video here:
A hoarding crashes on a petrol pump in #Mumbai as the city experiences #duststorm and #rain. pic.twitter.com/IJzoCbhX4D
— The Theorist (@thetheorist_in) May 13, 2024
Rescue operations are ongoing, with two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) assisting the Mumbai Fire Brigade and other emergency services. The search and rescue mission aims to ensure that no victims remain trapped under the debris.
Compensation announced
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the billboard collapse site, pledging a thorough investigation and promising action against those responsible.
“The hoardings, if found illegal and dangerous, would be removed immediately,” Shinde said. “It is a very unfortunate incident. The government will probe it, and the people responsible will face action. I have also asked the BMC commissioner to conduct a structural audit of all the hoardings in the city. Those found illegal and dangerous will be removed.”
The Chief Minister also announced an aid of Rs 5 lakh to the families of each person killed in the incident.
Who owns the billboard
The fallen billboard was one of four erected by Ego Media on a plot leased to the Police Welfare Corporation by the Maharashtra government’s Police Housing Division.
Despite having permission from the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Railways) for all four hoardings, including the one that collapsed, Ego Media did not obtain the necessary authorisation or No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
In response, the BMC has issued a notice to the Railway Police’s ACP and the Railway Commissioner, demanding the revocation of all permissions granted by the Railways and the removal of the remaining hoardings. Mumbai Police have registered a case against the owner of Ego Media and others implicated in the incident.
The storm and a warning
The storm that caused the collapse also wreaked havoc across Mumbai, plunging the city into darkness as a massive dust storm enveloped the area. Transport networks were severely disrupted, with local trains and airport services temporarily halted. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) suspended flight operations due to low visibility and strong winds.
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued urgent warnings for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and heavy rain. While the unseasonal rain provided relief from the heat, it also led to power outages in districts such as Thane’s Kalwa, adding to the difficulties faced by residents. Reports of uprooted trees and structural damage came from various satellite towns including Thane, Ambernath, Badlapur, Kalyan, and Ulhasnagar.
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