On Monday, Mumbai was struck by tragedy as a towering hoarding collapsed alongside a petrol pump in the Ghatkopar area, claiming at least eight lives and leaving dozens injured. The incident, occurring around 4:30 pm amidst sudden rain and gusty winds, sent shockwaves through the city.
The 100-foot-tall illegal billboard toppled onto the petrol pump, trapping over 100 individuals and prompting a frantic search and rescue effort. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in the rescue operation.
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani confirmed the hoarding’s illegal status, stating that it lacked the necessary permission from the municipal authorities. Gagrani vowed to conduct a thorough audit of all hoardings in Mumbai, and unauthorised structures will face immediate action.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, addressing the grim situation, announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and assured full coverage of medical expenses for the injured. As rescue efforts continued, 57 individuals were rushed to Rajawadi Hospital for urgent treatment.
Amidst conflicting reports about the hoarding’s location, the Central Railway clarified that it was not on railway land and bore no relation to Indian Railways. However, civic authorities reiterated their objections to the hoarding’s presence, citing previous complaints and legal actions.
The tragic incident underscores the dangers of unauthorised structures and the urgent need for stringent regulation enforcement. As Mumbai grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, questions arise about accountability and the safety of public spaces in the city.
