A billboard at a gas station collapsed during a strong storm in Mumbai, India's financial city, killing 12 people and injuring at least 60 others, officials said Monday.
Billboard Collapses in Mumbai, India Amid Fierce Storm
According to Gaurav Chauhan, an inspector with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), eight dead have already been recovered from the ruins, and four more are still trapped beneath the rubble.
A massive billboard, measuring 70m by 50m, collapsed onto houses and a petrol station in the city's financial district on Monday, Mathrubhumi reported.
Emergency services have reported that there are still concerns about the safety of approximately 20 to 30 individuals who may be trapped. A rescue operation is currently in progress to assist them.
Video captured by local news channels depicts the massive billboard swaying in the wind before ultimately collapsing onto nearby buildings in the bustling eastern suburb of Ghatkopar.
A video circulating on social media captures the chaotic scene at the petrol station, revealing the aftermath of a devastating incident. The footage shows vehicles tragically crushed beneath the weight of a fallen advertisement hoarding.
Photos captured the intense efforts of emergency teams as they worked tirelessly amidst the wreckage. Intense video footage captures the heroic efforts of rescue workers as they extract a victim trapped beneath a collapsed billboard, employing power tools to carefully cut through the metal.
According to officials, there could still be a significant number of individuals trapped in the wreckage.
Indian Authorities Launch Probe
In a statement released on X, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation attributed the collapse to strong winds and highlighted the involvement of multiple agencies, including the police, fire department, and national disaster response teams, in the ongoing rescue operation.
According to BBC News, Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra state, announced that an extensive investigation has been initiated into the incident.
She also mentioned that the state government has pledged to offer financial aid of 500,000 rupees to the families affected by the incident, both those who lost loved ones and those who were injured.
According to local media reports, the storm caused a temporary suspension of flights at the city's international airport, resulting in the diversion of at least 15 planes.
Mumbai, like many other cities in India, experiences frequent flooding and rain-related incidents during the monsoon season, typically occurring from June to September.
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