Mumbai Storm: Death toll due to hoarding collapse rises to 14, one in critical condition; 43 injured are undergoing treatment

The death toll from the collapse of a 100-foot-tall hoarding in Mumbai\'s Ghatkopar due to the storm has increased to 14. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, 43 injured are currently undergoing treatment in the hospital. While 31 injured were discharged from the hospital. The condition of one injured is said to be serious.

An official says that this accident happened near Gymkhana around 3.30 pm on Monday. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigade, and police teams were sent to the spot to provide immediate relief. He said that many people have been injured in this accident. Cranes and gas cutters have been used during relief and rescue operations.

Order for high-level investigation into the accident – Devendra Fadnavis

After the accident in Ghatkopar, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has canceled his election rally to be held in the Muland area of Mumbai. He has written on social media platform X that orders have been given for a high-level investigation into this incident.

Action will be taken against railways and the company putting up hoardings – BMC

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will file a case against the Railways and advertising company Ego Media in connection with the Ghatkopar accident. BMC says that a case will be registered against the Railways and the advertising company under the Disaster Management Act. On the other hand, Central Railway official Swapnil Neela says that the land on which the hoarding was put up does not belong to the Central Railway but to the Government Railway Police (GRP).

Air services were also affected

There were strong winds along with rain in the Ghatkopar, Bandra Kurla, and Dharavi areas of Mumbai. On the other hand, the operation of air services at Mumbai airport was temporarily stopped. The airport authority said 15 flights were diverted during the storm. After this, air services started operating at 5:03 pm. Pre-monsoon runway maintenance work was done at Mumbai airport last week. Because of this, the flights were operated on time.

Chances of rain and storms in these areas

On the other hand, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains along with lightning and storms in Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar. The Meteorological Department says that along with the storm, lightning may also occur in many places. During this period, strong dust storms can occur at a speed of 50 to 60 kilometers per hour.

Mumbai Police registered an FIR

On the other hand, Mumbai Police has registered a case against the owner of Ego Media and others after the hoarding fell. Officials said that landlord Bhavesh Bhinde and others have been booked under Indian Penal Code sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 338 (causing grievous hurt by endangering the life or personal safety of others) and 337 (causing hurt by rash or negligent act). A case has been registered under (causing hurt to another person). He said that an FIR has been registered at Pantnagar police station and an investigation is going on.

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