Mumbai hoarding collapse explained

Location:Ghatkopar, Mumbai
Cause:Collapse of an illegal billboard due to rains
Reported Deaths:17
Reported Injuries:75

On 13 May 2024, a billboard in the Ghatkopar suburb of Mumbai, collapsed following heavy rains. 17 people were killed and more than 75 were injured.

Background

Billboards in urban areas and political hoardings are commonly erected across India. There have been various incidents in the last few years wherein more than ten people have been killed in various accidents involving illegal erections in Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi and Pune. Despite the ruling of courts in India, the practice still existed in 2024.[1]

Incident

On 13 May 2024, a large billboard measuring 120x120 ft in the Ghatkopar suburb of Mumbai, collapsed following heavy rains.[2] 17 people were killed and more than 75 were injured.[3] The billboard crashed onto a petrol station, crushing vehicles and people who had taken shelter from the rains.[4] The billboard was constructed illegally, against the maximum permitted size of 40×40 ft.[5] The rescue operations continued for more than 66 hours and ended on 10:30 am on 16 May.[5] [6] [7]

Aftermath

Following the incident, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation issued orders for the immediate removal of similar hoardings nearby.[8] On May 16, the owner of the hoarding was arrested for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and various other charges.[9] The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde announced an ex-gratia of to the next of kin of each person killed in the incident.[3]

Notes and References

  1. News: Mumbai hoarding collapse: How key accused Bhavesh Bhinde was caught. 17 May 2024. 1 June 2024. Business Standard.
  2. News: At least 14 killed as billboard collapses in Mumbai during thunderstorm . 14 May 2024. Al Jazeera. 27 May 2024.
  3. News: Shaikh . Ateeq . Sah . Purnima . Mutha . Snehal . 13 May 2024 . Mumbai Rains: Massive billboard falls during Mumbai dust storm killing nine, injuring over 70 . 27 May 2024 . . 0971-751X.
  4. News: 22 May 2024 . Death toll in Ghatkopar hoarding crash rises to 17; 10 injured victims still in hospitals . 27 May 2024 . The Indian Express.
  5. News: Mumbai hoarding collapse Death toll rises to 16 . 16 May 2024. 1 June 2024. The Hindu.
  6. News: 14 May 2024 . Mumbai billboard collapse: Search and rescue operation continues after over 21 hours . 27 May 2024. The Hindu. 0971-751X.
  7. News: 15 May 2024 . Mumbai's hoarding collapse: Two more bodies located under debris . 27 May 2024. The Hindu.
  8. News: 13 May 2024 . Mumbai hoarding collapse: BMC issues notice to ad agency for immediate removal of three other hoardings in Ghatkopar . 27 May 2024. The Hindu.
  9. News: Shaikh . Ateeq . 17 May 2024 . Bhavesh Bhinde, owner of collapsed Mumbai hoarding arrested in Udaipur . 27 May 2024. The Hindu.