The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning on Tuesday about the likelihood of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and moderate rain in isolated areas within the Mumbai suburban region over the next three to four hours. The IMD also cautioned about gusty winds with speeds ranging between 40-50 kmph accompanying the thunderstorms, advising residents to take necessary precautions when venturing outdoors.
This alert follows a recent tragedy in the city when a large advertising hoarding, measuring 120×120 feet, collapsed onto a petrol pump in Ghatkopar on Monday. The incident resulted in the loss of 14 lives and left several others injured. The collapsing hoarding damaged the roof of the petrol pump and fell on the vehicles present, leading to a large-scale search and rescue operation.
The ongoing operation involves the efforts of at least 12 fire engines and other vehicles since it commenced around 4:50 pm on Monday. Authorities have highlighted that the advertising hoarding was installed illegally without proper permission.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the site of the incident on Monday night and ordered a comprehensive structural audit of all hoardings across the city to prevent similar mishaps in the future. The police have taken action by registering a case against the owner of Ego Media and others involved in installing the collapsed hoarding.
The owner, Bhavesh Bhinde, and others have been charged under sections 304, 338, and 337 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, causing grievous hurt, and acting rashly or negligently causing harm to others.