13th May, 2024 , Mumbai – In a devastating turn of events, at least 14 individuals have lost their lives and numerous others have sustained injuries as a massive billboard crashed down amid a sudden storm in Mumbai. The tragic incident unfolded on Monday, leaving a trail of destruction as the towering structure collapsed onto residential homes and a petrol station in the bustling city.
According to authorities, the colossal billboard, spanning a staggering 70 meters by 50 meters, succumbed to the ferocious winds, plummeting onto the vicinity of a busy road in the eastern suburb of Ghatkopar. The impact of the collapse crushed several vehicles, trapping occupants underneath the debris.
Emergency response teams swiftly mobilized to the scene, engaging in a race against time to rescue those trapped under the rubble. Dramatic visuals captured the tireless efforts of rescue workers, utilizing power tools to extract victims from the wreckage.
“We have rescued around 80 people safely,” affirmed an official, highlighting the magnitude of the rescue operation. However, the fate of several individuals remains uncertain, with reports indicating that some are still trapped beneath the rubble.
Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing tales of narrowly escaping the calamity. Akshay Vasant Patil, a 20-year-old courier service worker, described his frantic attempt to flee as the billboard descended. “I realised the billboard was falling and tried to get out and run but got stuck between cars,” he recounted, detailing the chaos that ensued.
Tragically, among the casualties was 24-year-old Bharat, who sought refuge under a nearbBillboard Collapsey bridge from the raging storm, only to meet his demise as the billboard collapsed upon him.
Authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident, attributing the collapse to the forceful winds and noting that the billboard exceeded permitted dimensions. A stern directive has been issued to the responsible agency to dismantle similar hoardings across the city promptly.
In the wake of the tragedy, the government of Maharashtra state pledged financial assistance to the affected families, offering 500,000 rupees to those who lost their loved ones or sustained injuries.
Monday’s dust storm wreaked havoc across Mumbai, paralyzing normalcy with uprooted trees, travel disruptions, and power outages. The chaos extended to the city’s international airport, where several flights were temporarily suspended or diverted.
Mumbai, synonymous with resilience, grapples with yet another catastrophe amidst the looming monsoon season, highlighting the perennial challenges posed by severe weather conditions in the region. As the city mourns the lives lost, authorities emphasize the imperative of stringent safety measures to mitigate future risks in the face of nature’s unpredictability.
