At least 14 individuals lost their lives, with numerous others sustaining injuries, following the collapse of a massive billboard during a sudden storm in Mumbai, India.
The billboard, measuring 70m by 50m as per police reports, toppled onto nearby houses and a petrol station on Monday.
Emergency responders are currently conducting a rescue operation, with some individuals still believed to be trapped under the debris.
The government of Maharashtra state, home to Mumbai, has initiated an inquiry into the incident.
Video footage broadcasted on local news channels depicts the billboard swaying in the wind before crashing down onto buildings near a busy road in the city’s eastern suburb of Ghatkopar. The accident resulted in the crushing of several vehicles.
Images from the scene show rescue teams diligently sifting through the wreckage. Dramatic videos show workers extracting victims from beneath the fallen billboard, utilizing power tools to cut through the metal.
“We have successfully rescued approximately 80 individuals,” stated an official to the news agency ANI. “One red car has sustained severe damage, and there is a suspicion that individuals may be trapped inside.”
In an announcement shared on X, previously known as Twitter, Mumbai’s municipal authorities stated that the collapse was caused by “speedy winds.” Multiple agencies, including the police, fire department, and national disaster response teams, are participating in the ongoing rescue efforts.
Officials also revealed that the billboard exceeded the permitted size by several times, and the agency responsible for its installation did not obtain proper authorization. Consequently, a notification was issued to the company, instructing them to dismantle the structure and remove all similar billboards from the city immediately.
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, declared that the state government would provide financial aid of 500,000 rupees ($5,987; £4,767) to the families affected by the tragic incident.
The dust storm that occurred on Monday paralyzed parts of the city, uprooting trees, disrupting travel, and causing power outages. Reports from local media indicate that several flights were temporarily halted or redirected at the city’s international airport.
Mumbai, like many other Indian cities, is susceptible to severe flooding and rain-related incidents during the monsoon season, typically spanning from June to September.