On the evening of May 13, 2024, a severe storm hit Mumbai, leading to the collapse of a 100-foot-tall billboard in Ghatkopar, a busy area of the city. The billboard fell onto a nearby fuel station, causing significant destruction and loss of life.
Immediate Impact and Rescue Efforts
The collapse resulted in the death of 14 people and injuries to over 70 others. Emergency teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Mumbai Fire Brigade, launched a major search and rescue operation to help the victims.
Actions Against Ego Media
The police have taken legal action against the owner of Ego Media, the company responsible for the billboard. It was discovered that the company did not have the necessary permissions from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to erect the billboard, which led to safety violations.
Mumbai Grapples with Storm Aftermath
The storm not only caused the billboard to collapse but also led to widespread disruptions across Mumbai, including power outages and damage to infrastructure. In response, the Chief Minister has promised to inspect all billboards in the city to prevent such incidents in the future and announced compensation for the families of the victims.
This event has highlighted the need for strict adherence to safety regulations and urban planning standards to ensure the safety of the public. Authorities are now focused on reviewing and reinforcing the city's infrastructure to safeguard against future disasters.
