On 13 May 2024, a billboard in the Ghatkopar suburb of Mumbai, collapsed following heavy rains. 17 people were killed and more than 75 were injured.
| Date | 13 May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Location | Ghatkopar, Mumbai |
| Cause | Collapse of an illegal billboard due to rains |
| Deaths | 17[1] |
| Non-fatal injuries | 75 |
Background
editBillboards in urban areas and political hoardings are commonly erected across India. There have been various incidents in the last few years wherein more than ten people have been killed in various accidents involving illegal erections in Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi and Pune. Despite the ruling of courts in India, the practice still existed in 2024.[2]
Incident
editOn 13 May 2024, a large billboard measuring 120x120 ft in the Ghatkopar suburb of Mumbai, collapsed following heavy rains.[3] 17 people were killed and more than 75 were injured.[4] The billboard crashed onto a petrol station, crushing vehicles and people who had taken shelter from the rains.[1] The billboard was constructed illegally, against the maximum permitted size of 40×40 ft.[5] The rescue operations continued for more than 66 hours and ended on 10:30 am on 16 May.[5][6][7]
Aftermath
editFollowing the incident, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation issued orders for the immediate removal of similar hoardings nearby.[8] On May 16, the owner of the hoarding was arrested for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and various other charges.[9] The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde announced an ex-gratia of ₹500,000 (US$6,000) to the next of kin of each person killed in the incident.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b "Death toll in Ghatkopar hoarding crash rises to 17; 10 injured victims still in hospitals". The Indian Express. 22 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ "Mumbai hoarding collapse: How key accused Bhavesh Bhinde was caught". Business Standard. 17 May 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ^ "At least 14 killed as billboard collapses in Mumbai during thunderstorm". Al Jazeera. 14 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ a b Shaikh, Ateeq; Sah, Purnima; Mutha, Snehal (13 May 2024). "Mumbai Rains: Massive billboard falls during Mumbai dust storm killing nine, injuring over 70". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Mumbai hoarding collapse | Death toll rises to 16". The Hindu. 16 May 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ^ "Mumbai billboard collapse: Search and rescue operation continues after over 21 hours". The Hindu. 14 May 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ "Mumbai's hoarding collapse: Two more bodies located under debris". The Hindu. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ "Mumbai hoarding collapse: BMC issues notice to ad agency for immediate removal of three other hoardings in Ghatkopar". The Hindu. 13 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ Shaikh, Ateeq (17 May 2024). "Bhavesh Bhinde, owner of collapsed Mumbai hoarding arrested in Udaipur". The Hindu. Retrieved 27 May 2024.