Mumbai, May 14 (UNI) A massive Ghatkopar hoarding collapse in Mumbai has resulted in 14 deaths on Tuesday, prompting the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to conduct overnight rescue operations.

According to reports, a large hoarding for advertisements, erected by a private party, crashed in the gusty winds on several houses and a petrol pump in Pant Nagar, Ghatkopar East suburb, around 4.15 pm on Monday.

On Monday, at least 63 people were left injured, and another over 50 are still feared trapped under the hoarding when many vehicles had queued up to refill petrol and diesel. Rescue operations are still underway at this place, police said.

"As many as 100 people were trapped under the hoarding. So far, the number of injured in this incident has reached 60 to 87. All the injured have been admitted to Rajawadi Hospital, HBT Hospital, MJ Phule Hospital, and Prakriti Hospital.

Almost 42 people are undergoing treatment. 31 citizens have been discharged home.

Meanwhile, the state government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident."



Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the citizens who died in this incident. They said that this incident is unfortunate, and the municipal system and the state's disaster team are carrying out rescue operations.

Along with this, a special audit of all hoardings in Mumbai will be conducted. Orders have also been given to remove unlicensed hoardings.

NDRF officer Gaurav Chauhan told reporters that the incident was reported at 5 pm. There was a big hoarding at the petrol pump. About 65 people have been rescued. NDRF has rescued three people, and four dead bodies buried under the debris have been pulled out. "We are using cranes to remove iron debris."

"Mumbai Police have registered a case under Sections 305, 338, 337 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code against billboard owner Bhavesh Bhide and others at Pantnagar Police Station.

President Draupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, among others, have expressed grief over the incident.

UNI SP ARN