3 dead, 59 injured as huge billboard collapses on fuel station during Mumbai dust storm
New Delhi/IBNS: At least three died and 59 others are feared trapped under the debris of a massive billboard that collapsed on a fuel station amid a strong dust storm in Mumbai's Ghatkopar on Monday evening.
According to police, 35 people were injured and 54 were rescued.
The billboard was located opposite the fuel station. Visuals show the structure crashing down right in the middle of the fuel station.
The metal frame of the billboard tore through the roof of several cars parked at the fuel station.
Over 35 people injured and 100+ likely trapped after giant hoarding collapses in Chheda Nagar of Ghatkopar East in Mumbai amid heavy rains and dust storm. Rescue work is presently underway. https://t.co/mEDLlZWDjK pic.twitter.com/NbjJbJPSkt
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) May 13, 2024
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has reached the site and is looking for survivors trapped under the debris.
In a post on X, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state government has ordered an investigation into the incident.
A massive dust storm caught Mumbai off guard, crippling the transport system, uprooting trees, and leading to power outages in many districts of the financial capital.
The sky turned dark when the dust storm hit the city, with people posting visuals on social media.
Dust storm in Dadar, Mumbai.
— Mumbai Rains (@rushikesh_agre_) May 13, 2024
🎥 @girrrlnextdoorr pic.twitter.com/gVShzVTDSG
Local trains, a section of the metro network, and airport services were temporarily stopped amid a darkening sky.
"Due to the inclement weather and dust storms in the city, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) temporarily suspended flight operations for around 66 minutes due to low visibility and gusty winds," Mumbai airport said in a statement.
"Operations resumed at 17:03 hours. During this time, the airport saw 15 diversions. CSMIA last week completed its pre-monsoon runway maintenance successfully, ensuring safe and smooth aircraft operations. Committed to efficiency and passenger safety, the airport remains steadfast to prioritise seamless operations," it said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mumbai issued a "nowcast warning" forecasting a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and moderate to intense rain for Thane, Palghar, and Mumbai.
Mumbai currently looks like a Hollywood movie shot in Mexico pic.twitter.com/CeJRqEDEdL
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 13, 2024
The metro did not run between Aarey and Andheri East after a billboard landed on the overhead wire.
Suburban trains were affected after an overhead equipment pole between Thane and Mulund got bent due to the strong winds.
The suburban services on the main line have been stopped, the chief spokesperson of Central Railway said.
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
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