National Desk
13 May
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
A tragic accident occurred in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area when a 100-foot-long hoarding collapsed on a petrol pump at Chheda Nagar Junction due to strong winds and unseasonal rain. The incident resulted in 14 deaths and 74 injuries, as confirmed by officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The hoarding fell on the petrol pump on Monday evening, burying several people underneath. The injured were swiftly taken to Rajawadi Hospital, a BMC-operated facility, where they received immediate medical attention. By Tuesday morning, the death toll had risen to 14, with 74 others injured. Among the injured, 31 people have been treated and discharged from the hospital.
Relief and rescue operations continued through Tuesday morning, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deploying two teams to assist the Mumbai Fire Brigade and other agencies. The combined efforts of these teams are focused on ensuring the safety of the affected area and aiding any remaining victims.
Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as the hoarding came down amidst the sudden strong winds and rain. Many people were caught off guard by the weather conditions and the subsequent collapse. The BMC and other authorities are investigating the incident to determine the cause of the hoarding’s failure and to prevent such accidents in the future.
The local community has expressed shock and grief over the incident, with many calling for stricter regulations and safety checks for large structures like hoardings, especially in adverse weather conditions. The tragedy has raised concerns about urban safety and infrastructure resilience in Mumbai, a city frequently subjected to severe weather.
Authorities have assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to support the victims and their families and to enhance safety protocols to avoid such devastating incidents in the future. The BMC has also announced plans to review the stability and safety of all large hoardings across the city in light of this tragedy.