The death count in the incident in which a giant billboard collapsed in Mumbai's Ghatkopar amid dust storms and heavy rain rose to 12, the officials said, adding that a total of 43 people are injured and one of them is critical.
"The death toll in the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse incident rises to 12. A total of 43 injured, including 1 critical, are still under treatment. 31 injured have been discharged," BMC said on Tuesday.
The officials said the incident happened at around 4.30 pm near Chheda Nagar Gymkhana.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reached the spot and reviewed the rescue operations. The chief minister has announced the treatment of the injured at government expense and compensation of Rs 500,000 to the next kin of the dead.
An FIR has been registered against those responsible for the incident and orders have been given to take action.
Also, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident.
"47 citizens have been evacuated so far in the hoarding collapse accident in Ghatkopar area. Departments like Mumbai Police, Municipal Corporation, Disaster Management are coordinating and efforts are being made to evacuate the trapped people on a war footing. The injured are being treated at Rajawadi Hospital and will be given all possible assistance. A high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident," he posted on X.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani further speaking of the incident informed that the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) team has also joined the rescue operation and cranes and (gas) cutters have also reached the spot for the rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, injured persons were rushed to civic-run Rajawadi Hospital for immediate medical attention.
"BMC will file a complaint against Railway and Advertising company Ego Media in the matter of the hoarding falling incident in Ghatkopar which injured at least 35 people. The complaint will be filed for registering FIR under the Disaster Management Act," said the BMC PRO.
It is pertinent to note that heavy winds, accompanied by lightning and rain, struck Mumbai and the neighbouring regions of Thane and Palghar. Earlier, the Indian Meteorological Department issued alert that thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and moderate to intense spells of rain with gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph are likely to occur at isolated places in the districts of Palghar and Thane during next 3-4 hours.
(Report by Saket Rai)
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