Tragedy in Mumbai: Death Toll Rises to 14 in Hoarding Incident, Dozens Injured
Mumbai Petrol Pump Hoarding Tragedy: 14 Dead, 74 Injured
On Monday afternoon, a massive explosion occurred at a petrol pump hoarding in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area, resulting in approximately 3 fatalities. In this incident, 14 people have lost their lives, with the death toll rising to 9 by midnight. Additionally, 74 individuals have sustained injuries from the debris. A team of 67 members from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) safely evacuated 78 people from the site.
According to initial estimates, the weight of this billboard is said to be around 250 tons. The owner of the hoarding, Bhavesh Bhinde, and others have been booked under sections 304, 338, and 337 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and an investigation is underway at the Pant Nagar Police Station.
Mumbai witnessed a sudden change in weather on Monday afternoon, with dust storms followed by rainfall. The incident occurred amidst darkness, posing significant challenges for the affected individuals.
BMC: Hoarding Installed Without Permission
After the incident at the petrol pump where a hoarding collapsed, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a statement stating that the hoarding was installed without their permission. According to BMC, there were four hoardings at the site, all of which had been approved by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) for Mumbai Railways. Before installing the hoardings, no agency or railway had obtained any permission or NOC from BMC. Notices were sent to the agencies responsible for installing the hoardings. In the statement, BMC mentioned that they only approve hoardings with a maximum size of 40×40 square feet. However, the unauthorized hoarding that collapsed was 120×120 square feet, meaning it was approximately 15,000 square feet in size.
CM Shinde Orders Audit of Hoardings
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the areas around Ghatkopar to inspect the aftermath of the devastation caused by the collapse. During his visit, he provided officials with numerous suggestions, emphasizing that saving lives is their top priority. The government will bear the expenses of those injured in the incident, with families of the deceased set to receive ₹5 lakhs each. Shinde has directed relevant authorities to conduct an audit of all hoardings in Mumbai.
At the same time, the operations at Mumbai airport were affected due to changes in weather conditions. More than 15 national and international flights were diverted, while some were rescheduled. Metro and local train services were also disrupted but resumed two hours later.
Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds hit Ghatkopar, Bandra, Kurla, Dharavi, Dadar, Mahim, Mulund, and Vikhroli. Dust storms were reported in Thane’s suburbs, Ambernath, Badlapur, Kalyan, and Ulhasnagar. Wind speeds of 20 to 60 kilometers per hour were recorded every hour in these areas.
The meteorological department has forecast similar weather conditions for the next two days. Winds can reach speeds of 50-60 kilometers per hour in Palghar and Thane districts at various locations. Some areas may also experience power outages due to the strong winds.
Metal Parking Tower Collapses in Vadala
Due to the intense gusts of wind, a metal parking tower collapsed in Vadala, causing damage to several vehicles. At the same time, a tree fell on a parked car in Jogeshwari area due to the sudden squall. One person was injured, and the car sustained damages in this accident. In New Mumbai’s Airoli, Ghansoli, and Vashi, many areas are experiencing reports of trees falling. There are also reports of waterlogging in many areas, impacting traffic arrangements.
President Expresses Grief
President Draupadi Murmu expressed her condolences on social media, stating, “I express my deep condolences to the affected families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and the success of the rescue and relief operations.”
