Mumbai Ghatkopar: In a shocking incident that unfolded on Monday evening, a massive 250-tonne illegal advertisement hoarding came crashing down on a petrol pump at Ghatkopar’s police ground. The tragedy occurred amidst heavy rains and gusty winds, leaving the city and its suburbs in shock. Let’s delve into the details of this unfortunate event.

Mumbai Billboard Collapse: Wind Speed at Ghatkopar Hoarding Crash Site Was 96kmph, Says IMD : Three Dead, 59 Injured as Hoarding in Ghatkopar Collapses Amid Rains and Winds

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The Incident of Ghatkopar, Mumbai

Casualties and Injuries in Ghatkopar, Mumbai

Three precious lives were lost, and fifty-nine individuals were injured when the colossal hoarding collapsed. The victims included passersby, motorists, and the petrol pump staff who were caught off guard by the sudden calamity.

Hasnt even been 24 hours to the #Ghatkopar incident , some are still trapped.

The CM of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde left for Varanasi just because Modi wanted a show of strength in his nomination.

Uddhav Thackeray would never do something like that, Still remember how he… pic.twitter.com/PWGjD5CgZc

— Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) May 14, 2024

What Caused the Hoarding to Collapse at Ghatkopar, Mumbai?

The tragic collapse of the hoarding in Ghatkopar resulted from a combination of factors. Let’s delve into the details:

Illegal Construction and Oversized Hoarding

The hoarding violated regulations, exceeding the maximum permitted size of “40×40 sq ft” by measuring an enormous “120×120 sq ft” and weighing 250 tons.
Ego Media Pvt Ltd, the advertising agency responsible for the hoarding, had erected eight additional unauthorized hoardings in the area without proper permissions from the civic body.

These hoardings were illegally placed on land parcels registered under the ownership of the Home Department and the Maharashtra State Police Housing Welfare Corporation, violating Section 328 of the BMC Act, 1888.

Weather Conditions

On May 13, 2024, gusty winds and heavy rain lashed many parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including the suburbs.
The hoarding collapsed onto the roof of a BPCL petrol pump in Ghatkopar due to the fierce dust storm and heavy rain.

Responsibility and Legal Action

The authorities planned to file a criminal case against Ego Media Pvt Ltd and the landowner(s) involved.
Those charged cannot claim ‘an act of God’; accountability lies with those responsible for the structural stability of the display board.

Immediate Response

Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya lodged a complaint regarding the unauthorized hoardings, prompting the BMC to notify the GRP for permit cancellations and hoarding removal.
The GRP, which had granted permission to the advertising agency in 2021, announced an investigation into the matter.

Rescue Efforts in Ghatkopar, Mumbai

In the aftermath of the hoarding collapse, a scene of chaos unfolded as nearly 100 individuals were feared trapped under the rubble. The sheer scale of the disaster gripped the community with fear and urgency.

However, amidst the chaos, there emerged a beacon of hope in the form of brave rescue teams. Comprising firefighters, police personnel, and local volunteers, these heroes worked tirelessly, risking their own safety to extricate survivors from the wreckage.

Their unwavering dedication and selflessness in the face of such perilous circumstances deserve not only our admiration but also our utmost respect. It is in moments like these that the true spirit of humanity shines brightest, as communities rally together to support and uplift one another in times of dire need.

Weather Conditions of Ghatkopar, Mumbai

1. Wind Speed at Ghatkopar: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a staggering 96 kmph wind speed during the hoarding crash. Imagine the force of nature—howling winds tearing through the city, shaking even the sturdiest structures.
   
2. Other Locations: Santacruz airport recorded winds at 55 kmph, while Colaba experienced 51 kmph winds. These numbers underscore the severity of the storm that swept across Mumbai.

Flight Diversions and Visibility Issues

1. Flights bound for Mumbai were diverted to other airports due to the pre-monsoon shower and reduced visibility. Pilots battled turbulence and low visibility, making split-second decisions to ensure passenger safety.
   
2. Santacruz airport witnessed gusts of 75 kmph, causing visibility to plummet from 4,000 meters to just 500 meters. Imagine the challenge faced by air traffic controllers as they rerouted planes and communicated with pilots during this chaos.

IMD’s Predictions

The IMD predicts that over the next two days, maximum temperatures in north Konkan will rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius. While this may seem unrelated to the tragedy, it highlights the unpredictable nature of weather patterns. As we mourn the lives lost, we must also consider climate resilience and urban planning.

Conclusion

As Mumbai grapples with this tragedy, our collective grief weighs heavy. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for safety regulations and vigilance in maintaining structures across the city. Let us honour the victims by advocating for better enforcement and preparedness.

Disclaimer: All information provided in this summary is sourced from various internet and news sources and is presented for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented herein. Readers are advised to independently verify any information before making decisions based on it.

Stay tuned for further updates as investigations continue. Let’s hope for swift recovery and preventive measures to avoid such calamities in the future.

FAQs

What caused the billboard collapse in Ghatkopar?

The collapse resulted from a combination of factors: illegal construction, extreme weather conditions, and inadequate safety measures. The powerful storm played a significant role in bringing down the massive hoarding.

How many people were affected by the collapse?

Fourteen lives were tragically lost, and dozens were injured when the 100-foot billboard fell during the severe storm.

Was the billboard legally constructed?

No, the billboard was illegal. It was erected without proper permission from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

What wind speed contributed to the collapse?

The wind speed at the Ghatkopar site was 96 kmph, as recorded by the BMC’s Automatic Weather Station. Santacruz and Colaba also experienced strong winds during the storm.

What actions are being taken?

The Maharashtra government has ordered an inquiry into the incident. Authorities are inspecting all billboards in Mumbai for licenses, and any unauthorized structures will be declared illegal.

Feel free to ask if you have more questions!