A major accident took place in Ghatkopar, Mumbai this evening amid a strong dust storm. Due to strong winds, a huge billboard above a petrol pump suddenly fell. Eight people died after getting trapped under it while 59 others were injured. The billboard broke the roof of many cars present at the petrol pump station. Police said that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are at the spot and are trying to rescue people trapped under the debris. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said on the incident, ‘So far 8 people have died. Rescue operation is still going on…some people are still trapped.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in a post on Twitter that the state government has ordered an investigation into the incident. He said, ‘Many people have been evacuated. Many have died. Rescue operation is going on. Strict action will be taken against those who are found guilty. An inquiry has been ordered. CM Eknath Shinde immediately reached the spot and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to those who died.
Also read:- From Lucknow to Awadh… BSP Chief Mayawati’s big election statement, said- will create a separate state
Due to unseasonal rain along with thunderstorm in Mumbai, flight operations at the airport were suspended for an hour. Besides, the operation of local trains was also affected. This hoarding installed on the petrol pump at Chheda Nagar Junction in Ghatkopar area is 100 feet long. Due to the winds, this hoarding fell on the vehicles parked at the petrol pump. Due to which about 100 people got trapped inside.
The airport operator said that at least 15 flights were diverted. “Due to inclement weather and thunderstorm in the city, flight operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) were temporarily suspended for about 66 minutes due to low visibility and strong winds,” a statement said.
Tags: Devendra Fadnavis, Heavy Storms, Mumbai News, Mumbai news today
FIRST PUBLISHED: May 13, 2024, 20:37 IST