A massive billboard collapsed during a strong storm in Mumbai, leaving at least 14 people dead and 70 injured, officials reported on Monday.
The 100-foot billboard was fixed opposite a gas station. Images depict the structure collapsing in the centre of the refuelling station. The city authorities are investigating if the billboard advertising agency was authorized to erect the structure. The metal frame of the billboard tore through the roof of several cars that were at the fuel station.
"I was there when a big hoarding of some builder fell down. All the cars, bikes, and people that were there got stuck. We helped people get out and somehow manage to escape," eyewitness Swapnil Khupte told news agency ANI.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) along with Mumbai Fire Brigade officials and other agencies, are reportedly at the scene searching for survivors who may be buried beneath the rubble, according to the police.
Eknath Shinde, the chief minister of Maharashtra, stated that the government would take care of the medical care of the injured and that saving lives is the top priority. "Rs500,000 will be given to the family of those who have lost their lives. I have directed the authorities concerned to check all such hoardings in Mumbai," Shinde stated.
Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, stated in a post on X that the state government has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
A massive billboard fell onto a petrol station during a dust storm in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area today, injuring seven people.
The powerful dust storm caught Mumbai off guard, severely impairing transportation, uprooting trees and buildings, and causing power outages in numerous areas of the financial hub.
Amidst a darkening sky, local trains, a portion of the metro system, and airport services were momentarily suspended.
Mumbai airport issued a statement saying, "Due to the inclement weather and dust storms in the city, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) temporarily suspended flight operations for around 66 minutes due to low visibility and gusty winds."
"Operations resumed at 17:03 hours. During this time, the airport saw 15 diversions. CSMIA last week completed its pre-monsoon runway maintenance successfully, ensuring safe and smooth aircraft operations. Committed to efficiency and passenger safety, the airport remains steadfast to prioritise seamless operations," it said.
A "nowcast warning" with lightning and moderate to heavy rain was issued for Thane, Palghar, and Mumbai by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Mumbai.
Following the landing of a billboard on the overhead wire, the metro between Aarey and Andheri East was discontinued. Strong winds caused an overhead equipment pole between Thane and Mulund to bend, which had an impact on suburban trains.
The chief spokesperson for Central Railway announced that the suburban services on the main line have been discontinued.
Although the unseasonal rain provided some relief from the intense heat, the power outage in Kalwa, Thane, and other areas caused additional problems for the locals.
