A fierce thunderstorm wreaked havoc in Mumbai on Monday evening, claiming at least 14 lives and injuring dozens more after a massive billboard collapsed. The incident occurred in the eastern suburb of Ghatkopar, where the signage toppled onto neighboring houses and a petrol station along a busy road.
According to local authorities, the billboard succumbed to powerful gusts of wind and heavy rain brought by the storm. The collapse triggered a desperate search and rescue operation that stretched well into the night. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), used heavy machinery to clear the debris and locate survivors trapped underneath the wreckage.
“The scene was horrific,” reported Gaurav Chauhan, an inspector with the NDRF. “The billboard was huge, and it completely crushed the structures below. We managed to pull out several people alive, but tragically, many succumbed to their injuries.”
The exact number of injured remains unclear, with reports suggesting at least 74 individuals were rushed to local hospitals. Municipal authorities confirmed that 31 of those injured have already been discharged, while others are receiving treatment for varying degrees of severity.
The incident has cast a shadow over Mumbai, with residents expressing shock and grief. The city’s bustling streets came to a standstill as the storm raged, impacting traffic flow and disrupting operations at the city’s busy Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the billboard collapse. Scrutiny will likely focus on factors such as adherence to safety regulations during the construction and maintenance of the billboard. Concerns may also be raised regarding the potential role of weatherproofing measures in light of the city’s well-documented monsoon season.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy,” stated a spokesperson for the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. “We are offering all possible assistance to the families of the deceased and those who have been injured. A thorough investigation is underway to understand the cause of the collapse and ensure such an incident never happens again.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by improperly maintained infrastructure, particularly during extreme weather events. Mumbai, like many rapidly developing cities, faces the challenge of balancing urban growth with safety regulations. The devastating consequences of this billboard collapse will undoubtedly lead to renewed calls for stricter enforcement of building codes and a focus on preventative measures to safeguard the lives of citizens.
