In a devastating incident, at least eight individuals lost their lives, and 64 others sustained injuries as a towering 100-foot billboard collapsed amidst a fierce dust storm and heavy rainfall in Mumbai. The illegal structure toppled onto a petrol pump at the Cheddanagar Junction in the Ghatkopar area, triggering a massive rescue operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde swiftly responded to the tragedy, announcing a compensation of five lakh rupees for the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis suspended his Lok Sabha campaign and public engagements in Mulund to monitor the situation closely.
With coordination efforts underway among Mumbai Police, the Municipal Corporation BMC, and Disaster Management Departments, Fadnavis assured that rescue operations were being conducted with utmost urgency. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani confirmed the grim toll, revealing that eight lives were lost while expressing concerns about additional individuals possibly trapped beneath the debris.
In a proactive measure, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) dispatched a dedicated team of 60 personnel from Metro Line 4 Amar Mahal site to extend support at the accident site in Cheda Nagar. This specialized team comprises 25 skilled laborers proficient in lifting operations, equipped with essential machineries such as Hydra cranes, metric ton cranes, and gas cutters to aid in the rescue efforts.
The aftermath of the billboard collapse caused disruptions across Mumbai, leading to a temporary suspension of flight operations at the city’s airport and delays in local train services. Mumbai traffic police reported slow vehicular movement at Pooja Junction (Wadala) North Bound and Freeway Tunnel Trombay South due to the debris blocking roadways, further exacerbating the city’s transportation woes.
