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Mumbai rainstorm: 14 killed, 60 injured after huge hoarding collapses. Photo credit: X
The death toll from the tragic hoarding collapse in Mumbai surged to 14 overnight, as four more individuals succumbed to their injuries in hospitals, as reported by the BMC Disaster Control on Tuesday. Additionally, 43 others sustained injuries, some of whom are in critical condition, while over 30 injured victims have been discharged post-treatment.
The accident struck following an abrupt dust storm accompanied by strong winds, followed by rainfall, which wreaked havoc in the city on Monday afternoon. The toll from the accident, caused by the collapse of a massive hoarding during the storm and rainfall in Mumbai, has now risen to 14, with around 60 individuals injured.
The Mumbai Municipal Corporation confirms that 14 fatalities have occurred, and 43 injured individuals are receiving treatment in various hospitals, with 31 already discharged. According to police reports, the towering hoarding near the railway petrol pump in Samta Colony, Ghatkopar (E) area, collapsed around 4:30 pm due to the sudden ferocity of the storm. The hoarding, measuring 70x50 meters, fell onto a petrol pump where numerous people were stranded due to the rain and storm.
NDRF teams are actively involved in relief efforts. Addressing reporters on Monday night, Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani stated, "An unfortunate incident occurred with a hoarding collapse in Ghatkopar. Currently, 64 individuals have been admitted to Rajawadi Hospital, with only one in critical condition. Regrettably, four fatalities have been reported, with four more at the scene."
He continued, "Nearly 20 to 30 individuals remain trapped, and evacuation efforts are underway. The Chief Minister has instructed us for further action, which we will commence tomorrow."
An eyewitness recounted to news agency ANI, "I was present at the site during the incident. There was a severe storm, and as a result, we parked our car by the side. Due to heavy rainfall, we decided to wait. Suddenly, the hoarding collapsed, trapping several people, including those on two-wheelers and four-wheelers."
Shinde prioritizes rescue, vows structural audit
State Chief Minister Eknath Shinde personally surveyed the accident site before visiting the hospital to meet with the injured patients. Addressing journalists, he emphasized the immediate priority of rescuing those still trapped. Shinde stated, "Taking out the stranded people is my priority." He also announced plans for a comprehensive structural audit of all hoardings across Mumbai, asserting, "A case of culpable homicide will be registered against those responsible for the accident." Additionally, Shinde declared immediate compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased.
State Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited the site of the incident and assessed the ongoing relief efforts, characterizing the event as profoundly serious and unfortunate. Fadnavis emphasized the possibility of registering a case of culpable homicide following a thorough investigation into the incident. He highlighted numerous apparent irregularities in the matter, stating, "Prima facie, many irregularities are visible in this entire matter."
Following discussions with the Chief Minister, a high-level investigation has been initiated. Fadnavis outlined key questions for the investigation, stating, "Was permission taken for the hoarding? Who gave the permission? Was the permission correct?" He stressed the importance of investigating whether any studies were conducted regarding the impact of strong winds before installing such a large hoarding.
Air and rail transport also affected
The storm disrupted road, air, and rail routes, causing inconvenience for many individuals. Train services were halted on a particular track due to the collapse of a pole connecting an overhead wire between Mulund and Thane stations. Similarly, Mumbai Metro operations were impacted by the inclement weather, although services resumed after a brief interruption.
Mumbai Airport operations were also affected, leading to the temporary suspension of landing and take-off activities. As a result, travellers experienced delays of approximately half an hour in airport traffic.
"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," Mumbai airport said in a statement.
"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.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai issued a "nowcast warning," predicting a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and moderate to intense rain for Thane, Palghar, and Mumbai. In response to adverse weather conditions, the metro service between Aarey and Andheri East was suspended after a billboard landed on the overhead wire.
Further, suburban train operations were disrupted when an overhead equipment pole between Thane and Mulund was bent by strong winds. The chief spokesperson of Central Railway announced the suspension of suburban services on the main line. While the unseasonal rain provided relief from the scorching heat, power outages in areas like Thane's Kalwa exacerbated troubles for residents.
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