A severe thunderstorm in Mumbai, India resulted in a deadly billboard collapse, taking the lives of 14 individuals and injuring many others. The event occurred on the evening of May 13, 2024 in the Ghatkopar suburb, where a 220×160-foot billboard fell onto a gas station and several nearby houses.
Rescue operations extended into the following morning as first responders employed heavy machinery to navigate the debris. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the local governing body of Mumbai, reported that 74 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, with 31 being discharged after receiving treatment. The billboard, located beside a busy street, collapsed due to strong winds and heavy rain, causing significant damage and confusion.
Local officials promptly reacted to the catastrophe, with Mumbai’s municipal organization confirming that the billboard was erected illegally. The Press Trust of India disclosed that Ego Media, the advertising agency behind the billboard, lacked the necessary permits for such a large structure. Consequently, the BMC has issued an order to remove all remaining billboards installed by the agency and filed charges against Bhavesh Bhinde, Ego Media’s owner, for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, declared an investigation into the disaster and pledged severe action against the guilty parties. “A high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident. We will ensure that such negligence does not go unpunished,” Fadnavis stated in a social media post.
The storm that led to the collapse also caused widespread disruptions throughout Mumbai, including power outages, uprooted trees, and significant disturbances to the city’s railway system. Traffic was halted in multiple city sectors, and operations at Mumbai’s airport, one of the nation’s busiest, were critically affected, resulting in the diversion of at least 15 flights.
The rescue efforts were notably difficult due to the flammable materials at the gas station. Mohsen Shahedi, a high-ranking officer from the National Disaster Response Force, highlighted the challenges faced by the rescuers. “The operation was very challenging due to the weight of the structure and the presence of flammable liquid and gas at the site,” he said.
Among those killed were local residents and employees conducting their everyday tasks when the billboard collapsed. A taxi driver and a 23-year-old station employee were among those who lost their lives. The victims’ families expressed their sorrow and frustration, calling for justice and accountability.
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, conveyed his sympathies and announced government compensation of approximately $6,000 for each family that lost a member in the accident. “This is a painful and sad incident. We will take strict action against those responsible,” Shinde said.
The incident has ignited a wider conversation on the safety and regulation of billboards in Mumbai. The BMC has ordered a structural audit of all city billboards to ensure they meet safety standards. Bhushan Gagrani, the BMC chief, stated that out of 1,300 billboards in Mumbai, approximately 30 still needed to submit the necessary structural stability reports. “We are looking into that and will take necessary actions to prevent such accidents in the future,” said Gagrani.
In response to the tragedy, the Pune Municipal Corporation has already started removing over 1,500 illegal billboards. The billboard collapse in Mumbai has emphasized the pressing need for stricter regulatory enforcement and an increased focus on public safety issues.
