On Monday, May 13, 2024, a massive billboard collapsed during a rainstorm in Mumbai, India, resulting in at least four fatalities. The incident, which occurred in the eastern suburb of Ghatkopar, also left over 40 individuals feared trapped under the debris. The billboard, situated next to a busy road, fell onto nearby houses and a petrol station.
The collapse, attributed to high winds accompanying the storm, prompted a substantial rescue operation involving fire services, police, disaster response teams, and other agencies. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), multiple organizations including the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and health services were involved in the response efforts.
As of the last update, 61 people were reported injured and 60 individuals had been rescued and transported to local hospitals. The BMC's disaster management department, led by Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and additional commissioners, coordinated the ongoing rescue operations.
The incident occurred amidst weather predictions of moderate rain and gusty winds up to 50 kilometers per hour in the area. The Mumbai airport also experienced temporary disruptions due to the storm, leading to 15 flight diversions and a brief suspension of operations.