Tragedy Strikes Mumbai: 14 Dead, 74 Injured in Billboard Collapse at Ghatkopar
Credit: News18
14.05.2024: At least 14 lives were lost, and 74 individuals were left injured in a tragic incident in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area as a towering billboard collapsed amidst a thunderstorm and heavy rainfall. The massive structure crashed onto a petrol pump at Cheddanagar Junction, causing widespread devastation and chaos.
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani reported, “Seventy-four people have been admitted to Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar. One is in critical condition, and a total of four people have died in this incident. Additionally, we have learned that four others are said to have died.”
Following this calamity, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced compensation of five lakh rupees for the families of the deceased. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) swiftly arrived at the scene to initiate rescue operations as 20 to 30 individuals remained trapped beneath the debris.
The fallout of the billboard disrupted normalcy in Mumbai, leading to a temporary suspension of flight operations at the airport and delays in local train services due to adverse weather conditions. Mumbai traffic police also reported slow vehicular movement at key junctions impacted by the collapse.
In a separate incident, a scaffolding collapse in Wadala added to the city’s woes. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) immediately mobilized rescue efforts as the collapse trapped individuals, including one person in a car. Additionally, incidents such as a tree branch falling on individuals in Bandra and an uprooted tree causing injuries in Jogeshwari highlighted the widespread impact of the storm.
As Mumbai grapples with the aftermath of these tragic events, the focus remains on rescue operations, assistance to the injured, and measures to prevent similar mishaps in the future.