In the urban sprawl of Mumbai, the grim toll of casualties following the collapse of a towering advertising structure in Maharashtra’s Ghatkopar district has climbed to 14 as of Tuesday. The National Disaster Rescue Force reports that 74 individuals have been successfully extricated from the wreckage, while 14 have succumbed to the tragedy. The total count of affected individuals now stands at 88. Since Monday evening, when the calamity struck amid relentless downpours and fierce gusts, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been diligently engaged in rescue efforts to liberate those ensnared.
Gaurav Chauhan, an Inspector with the NDRF, relayed to ANI, “The cataclysmic event transpired around 5 pm, with a colossal billboard collapsing onto a petrol station. Approximately 65 individuals have been plucked from the perilous aftermath. Our operations have yielded three survivors and uncovered four lifeless bodies amidst the rubble. Out of precautionary measures against potential ignition, hydraulic and gasoline-powered equipment is withheld, while cranes are enlisted to dismantle the debris.”
Furthermore, the NDRF has successfully retrieved three individuals, augmenting the tally to 65 rescued souls. These endeavors are slated to persist until the break of dawn.” Notably, the Mumbai police have instituted legal proceedings under IPC sections 304, 338, 337, and 34 against Bhavesh Bhide, the proprietor, and other implicated parties at the Pantnagar police station. Extending empathy, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, has pledged a financial solace of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased, vowing governmental coverage for the medical expenses of the injured.
Expressions of condolence and solidarity have poured in from dignitaries such as President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, mourning the loss of eight lives and beseeching for the swift convalescence of the wounded. In a poignant message on social media platform X, President Murmu lamented, “The tragic episode of the billboard collapse in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, evokes profound sorrow. My heartfelt sympathies extend to the grieving families, with fervent hopes for the prompt recovery of the injured and the triumph of the relief endeavors.” Echoing this sentiment, Vice President Dhankar offered prayers for the speedy recuperation of all afflicted by the calamitous ordeal. “The lamentable casualties resulting from the billboard collapse in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, weigh heavily on my heart. My solidarity rests with the mourning families during this arduous juncture, as I fervently implore for the swift healing of the wounded,” Vice President Dhankar conveyed.
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, decried the incident as both gravely serious and lamentable. Addressing the press corps, Fadnavis remarked, “The ongoing rescue operation will persist until every individual is safely extricated. Following consultations with Chief Minister Shinde, we have initiated a comprehensive inquiry.”
“I am apprised of prior notices issued to the advertising entity, and these facets shall be thoroughly scrutinized moving forward,” Fadnavis added, doubling as the Home Minister of Maharashtra.
He further divulged that Chief Minister Shinde has sanctioned an audit of all prominent billboards across Mumbai. “The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) will spearhead the audit, with dedicated task forces mobilized for the endeavor. Initial scrutiny will focus on large-scale billboards,” Fadnavis divulged, accompanied by senior BJP luminary Kirit Somaiya.