International Desk: 12 people were killed when a huge metal billboard collapsed during a dust storm in the commercial capital of India, Mumbai. At least 60 others were injured. 67 people were rescued alive in this incident. Officials of the country said that the incident took place during a heavy dust storm that swept through the Ghatkopar area in Mumbai on Monday (May 14).
Around 4:30 p.m. on Monday, a strong storm suddenly blackened the sky in Mumbai. Before you know it, a dust storm starts. A huge metal advertisement board was uprooted in the Ghatkopar area due to the storm.
Reportedly, the billboard was opposite a petrol station. During the storm, the iron structure of the billboard fell on the station. This casualty happened.
A video circulating on social media shows the billboard collapsing on a petrol pump, due to which the roof of the petrol pump collapsed. Some cars standing at the petrol pump were also crushed.
National Disaster Management Force inspector Gaurav Chauhan said that eight bodies have already been recovered from under the debris. Four more are trapped inside. He said that even if they can be identified, there should be speed to rescue them.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said rescuing the trapped people was a priority. The state government will take care of the treatment of the injured. Five lakh rupees will be given to the families of those killed in the incident. The authorities concerned have been directed to check the billboards installed across Mumbai.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in a message on X, “A high-level investigation has been ordered into the incident.”
