Recent News – In a tragic turn of events, more than seven individuals sustained injuries when a Massive billboard toppled over them in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area during a fierce dust storm and heavy rainfall. The incident, which occurred near the Police Ground Petrol Pump, affected several neighboring areas including Eastern Express Highway, Pantnagar, and Ghatkopar East. Rescue teams swiftly arrived at the scene to assist those trapped or injured, demonstrating a prompt response.
A distressing video capturing the moment of the billboard’s collapse has circulated online, with voices in the background urgently calling for aid. The metal structure crashed amidst the intense dust storm around 4:30 pm, injuring thirty-five people, as indicated by reports. There are fears of individuals being trapped under the debris, particularly as the incident took place opposite a petrol station.
The aftermath of the incident disrupted transportation services, with metro operations halted between Aarey and Andheri East due to the billboard impacting overhead wires. Strong winds caused damage to an overhead equipment pole between Thane and Mulund, affecting suburban train services.
While the unseasonal rain brought relief from the sweltering heat, power outages in areas like Thane’s Kalwa added to residents’ woes. The dust storm also resulted in uprooted trees across the city, with satellite towns such as Thane, Ambernath, Badlapur, Kalyan, and Ulhasnagar experiencing moderate rainfall.
Witnesses described the weather transformation, marked by strong winds, lightning, and rain, providing relief from the oppressive heat. Earlier alerts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of impending rain and thunderstorms, with gusty winds of 50-60 kmph anticipated in isolated areas of Palghar and Thane districts over the next few hours.
Dust Storm Fallout: BJP Official Calls for Declaration of Advertising Agency Owner as Fugitive
In response to an accident, BJP leader Kriti Somaiya advocates for branding Bhavesh Bhinde, the proprietor of the advertising firm behind the billboard as a “fugitive”. Somaiya asserts, ” Bhavesh Bhinde accountable for this mishap, has absconded. I’ve urged the authorities to issue a red-card alert and designed him a fugitive. Bhavesh Bhinde’s Ego Media has erected over 24 unlawful billboards across multiple locations.”
