A giant billboard has collapsed in Mumbai amid a huge dust storm, killing four and injuring 59, whilst dozens remain trapped.
The 100ft-billboard came crashing down onto a fuel station in the suburb of Ghatkopar, tearing through the roofs of several cars that were parked there.
Police said that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is at the site, and is looking for survivors trapped under the debris.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde said the government was launching an investigation into the incident and announced compensation for the families of the deceased.
A sandstorm is Mumbai has resulted in the collapse of a billboard, killing four and injuring 59 others
Reuters
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who cancelled a public meeting in the Mulund area, will shortly meet with those impacted by the crash.
“Mumbai Police, Municipal Corporation BMC, Disaster Management Depts are coordinating and efforts are being made to evacuate the trapped people on war footing,” Fadnavis said online.
It is understood that 12 fire engines and two cranes have been deployed for rescue operations, as well as a team of 25 labourers.
Due to the incident taking place at a petrol pump, officials have said they cannot use cutters to tear through the billboard to reach the trapped individuals.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The injured people are currently being treated in various hospitals and are reported to be in a stable condition.
Powerful winds caused trees to fall in several areas, with one coming down on a busy road. No one was injured but traffic came to a standstill.
Public transport has also been heavily disrupted due to the storm, with metro services being suspended after debris landed on an overhead wire due to the relentless gales, a spokesperson from Metro Rail said.
Mumbai airport also suspended flights momentarily, announcing the disruption in a statement: “Due to the inclement weather and dust storms in the city, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) temporarily suspended flight operations for around 66 minutes due to low visibility and gusty winds.”
A heavy wind and sand storm has been battering Mumbai, India
Wikimedia Commons
“Operations resumed at 17:03 hours. During this time, the airport saw 15 diversions. CSMIA last week completed its pre-monsoon runway maintenance successfully, ensuring safe and smooth aircraft operations. Committed to efficiency and passenger safety, the airport remains steadfast to prioritise seamless operations.”
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously issued a yellow alert for certain parts of the city for May 13, warning of heavy rains, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.
Describing the coming days, the IMD said: “A fresh spell of heat wave is likely to commence over Northwest India from May 16, 2024.
“Wet spell with isolated heavy rainfall accompanied with thunderstorms, lightning & gusty winds very likely over south Peninsular India till 17th May, 2024.”
Mumbai, like several Indian cities is prone to severe flooding and rain-related accidents during the monsoon season, which usually lasts from June until September every year.