A thunderstorm in Mumbai, India, triggered a catastrophic billboard collapse on Monday, May 13, 2024. The enormous 220×160-foot billboard fell in the Ghatkopar suburb, crashing into a gas station and several local homes, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and dozens of injuries.
Emergency teams labored through the night into Tuesday, using heavy machinery to navigate the debris. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the governing civic body of Mumbai, reported that 74 individuals were transported to local hospitals, with 31 subsequently released after receiving treatment. The billboard, positioned adjacent to a major road, toppled due to high winds and rainfall, leading to significant destruction and disorder.
The municipal authorities swiftly reacted to the calamity, revealing that the billboard had been erected without proper authorization. The Press Trust of India disclosed that the advertising agency Ego Media, which was responsible for the billboard, did not possess the required permits to install such a massive structure. The BMC has now issued a directive to dismantle the remaining billboards installed by Ego Media and has charged Bhavesh Bhinde, the proprietor of Ego Media, with a count of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, has announced an investigation into the incident and vowed to take stern action against the accountable parties. “A high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident. We will ensure that such negligence does not go unpunished,” Fadnavis declared on social media.
In addition to the billboard collapse, the storm caused widespread disruptions in Mumbai, uprooting trees, causing power failures, and significantly delaying the city’s train network. Traffic in many areas was halted, and the operations at Mumbai’s airport, one of the country’s busiest, were severely disrupted, leading to the diversion of at least 15 flights.
The rescue mission was further complicated by the presence of flammable substances at the gas station. Mohsen Shahedi, a senior official from the National Disaster Response Force, detailed the obstacles encountered by the rescue teams. “The operation was very challenging due to the weight of the structure and the presence of flammable liquid and gas at the site,” he stated.
Among the casualties were locals and employees who were going about their daily tasks when the tragedy struck. A taxi driver and a 23-year-old gas station employee were among the deceased. Bereaved family members expressed their sorrow and outrage, demanding justice and accountability for the incident.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, expressed his sympathies and announced government compensation of approximately $6,000 for each family affected by the tragedy. “This is a painful and sad incident. We will take strict action against those responsible,” stated Shinde.
The incident has prompted a broader conversation about the safety and regulation of billboards in Mumbai. The BMC has ordered a structural audit of all city billboards to ensure they meet safety standards. Bhushan Gagrani, who heads the BMC, noted that of the 1,300 billboards in Mumbai, about 30 still need to submit necessary structural stability reports. “We are looking into that and will take necessary actions to prevent such accidents in the future,” Gagrani mentioned.
In response to the tragedy, the Pune Municipal Corporation has already started removing over 1,500 illegal billboards. The Mumbai billboard collapse has highlighted the pressing need for more rigorous enforcement of regulations and a heightened consciousness of public safety issues.
