Mumbai Storm Triggers Fatal Hoarding Collapse, Death and Destruction
The destructive weather persisted for hours, seriously affecting the city.
India’s financial capital of Mumbai found itself in the grips of a fierce dust and thunderstorm on the evening of Monday, May 13, 2024. But it wasn’t just this harsh natural occurrence that had city residents running for cover. Several people perished from the crash of an illegal billboard in the Ghatkopar area. The 100-foot billboard fell with astounding force upon a fuel station opposite it, killing 14 persons and injuring at least 70 others. Several cars were also crushed in the calamity.
The hoarding had been placed by a private establishment called Ego Media, which reportedly had not obtained all the mandatory documentation - including a NOC (No Objection Certificate). The company had also erected three other adjacent billboards which thankfully, remained firmly rooted during the destructive weather phenomenon.
Search and rescue operations commenced soon after the calamity, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the site to take stock of the situation. The CM has made arrangements for Rs. 5 Lakh to be handed to the families of each of those who perished in the disaster. But, the misfortune doesn’t stop there. The storm caused a pall of darkness to descend upon the city with electricity being severely disrupted. Mumbai's transport system too was brought to a grinding halt with grounded planes and stalled trains and buses.
The phenomenon of uprooted trees, transport stoppage and infrastructural damage was not restricted to Mumbai. Satellite towns like Thane, Ambernath, Badlapur, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar also bore the brunt of the catastrophe. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) put out warnings and advisories for residents to stay off the streets and take cover. It looks like this rain and gale had the potential to sweep people off their feet and not in a good way.
