On Monday, May 13th, in the Indian financial hub of Mumbai, a large billboard collapsed after a storm, resulting in 14 deaths and at least 75 injuries. Indian authorities have stated that there may still be dozens of people trapped.
In the evening on Monday, a dust storm and strong winds hit Mumbai. In the suburb of Ghatkopar, a large billboard erected at a gas station suddenly collapsed, causing serious casualties.
The Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that the incident has resulted in 14 deaths and at least 75 injuries. The injured have been taken to hospitals for treatment, with 31 already discharged.
The Mumbai civic authorities stated in a release that the billboard was illegally erected and did not have the necessary permits from the municipal corporation.
The statement mentioned that the billboard covered an area of approximately 1,338 square meters (14,400 square feet), which is nine times larger than the standard size for such billboards. The BMC has directed the construction agencies to immediately dismantle it.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra state, Eknath Shinde, posted on X, stating: “To prevent such incidents from reoccurring, I have instructed for a structural audit of all billboards in Mumbai and immediate removal of hazardous billboards.”
Indian President Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences on social media, saying: “The news of the collapse of billboards in Mumbai causing deaths and injuries is extremely saddening. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and the smooth progress of disaster relief and rescue operations.”
Local authorities are currently conducting rescue operations. However, due to the presence of fuel pumps at the scene, gas cutters cannot be used, making the rescue operation slower.
An anonymous official from the Mumbai Municipal Corporation stated that approximately 25 people and some vehicles are still trapped under the collapsed billboard.
(This article references reports from Reuters and the Associated Press)