Storm: Giant ad hoarding collapses in Mumbai, 14 killed

Mumbai : 14 people have been reportedly killed and more than 70 have been injured after a giant ad hoarding collapsed following a fierce storm that rattled Mumbai on Monday.

The 100-foot billboard, located outside a fuel station in the Ghatkopar area of Mumbai, was seen collapsing over the fuel station as it tore through roofs of several cars before landing on the ground. CCTV footage of the incident has now gone viral on social media.

NDRF team started search and rescue operation at the incident in collaboration with Mumbai Fire Brigade and other involved agencies.

It has been learned that the hoarding was placed by Ego Media on a plot that has been leased to the Police Welfare Corporation by the Maharashtra government's Police Housing Division.

A media report mentioned that Ego Media was granted permission for all four hoardings, including the one that fell, by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Railways), no authorisation or No Objection Certificate (NOC) was obtained from the BMC before installation. Consequently, the BMC has issued a notice to the Railway Police's ACP and the Railway Commissioner, demanding the cancellation of all permissions granted by the Railways and the removal of the hoardings.

Monday evening brought Mumbai to the middle of havoc as fast and gusty winds took over the city with residents posting scary videos on social media. Several social media accounts showcased tragic incidents that injured several people in the respective regions.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has also visited the incident site and assured that the department will conduct a structural audit of all hoardings in the city. "Any hoarding which will be found illegal and dangerous shall be removed immediately," he said.