New Delhi, May 14
A sudden dust storm hit Mumbai taking its worse turn when a billboard collapsed in Ghatkopar area. 14 people have been reported dead while hundreds were injured.
74 were injured and 44 are still hospitalized, with one person in critical condition. 31 individuals have been discharged so far. The victims had taken refuge under the billboard as sudden storm and rain lashed in the city.
The police informed that the billboard was located beside a petrol pump on the Eastern Express Highway (EEH).
According to the officials, the billboard was uprooted like a tree. Initially, 100 people were trapped under the collapsed billboard. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) deployed 12 fire engines, two cranes along with quick response vehicles at the spot, along with a team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
DCP zone VII Purshottam Karad stated that the police have registered an offence under sections 304 (culpable homicide), 338 (causing grievous hurt), 337 (causing hurt by negligent act) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Bhavesh Bhinde, owner of the company that put up the hoarding, and others at Pant Nagar police station, which is further investing the case.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inspected the site of the incident and reviewed the relief operations.
Shinde has directed the municipal commissioner to conduct a structural audit of all hoardings in Mumbai. He also announced a financial aid of Rs 5 lakh to the immediate kin of the deceased persons.
