14 May,2024 05:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
NDRF personnel at the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse site/ NDRF
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, addressing the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse incident, stated that the government would cover the expenses of the injured and provide a Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to the families of the deceased.
Expressing sorrow over the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse, CM Shinde assured support to the injured and announced compensation for the victims' families.
"It is a painful and sad incident, I visited the spot yesterday. The government will bear all the expenses of the people injured in this incident. Rs 5 lakh as compensation will be given to the next kin of the victims," said CM Shinde.
According to an ANI report, CM Shinde also promised strict action against the hoarding's owner, stating that a case of culpable homicide has been registered.
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CM Eknath Shinde said, "Strict action will be taken against the owner of the hoarding. A case of culpable homicide has been registered."
Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge offered condolences to the victims' families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. The death toll from the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse remains at 14, with 44 individuals hospitalized and 31 discharged after treatment, stated the news agency report.
"Deeply pained by the tragic incident wherein several people have lost their lives by a hoarding collapse in Mumbai's Ghatkopar. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Several people have been injured, and we pray for their complete and speedy recovery," Kharge posted on X.
Rescue operations involving the NDRF, ambulances, and fire teams are ongoing, according to the State Disaster Management Authority.
NDRF Inspector Gaurav Chauhan reported that a large advertising hoarding collapsed on a petrol pump, resulting in multiple rescues and casualties. The NDRF has rescued three individuals and located four deceased under the rubble. Rescue efforts, employing cranes to remove debris, will continue through the night, the ANI report stated.
Gaurav Chauhan told ANI, "The incident was reported at around 5 pm. A huge advertising hoarding fell on a petrol pump. Around 65 people have been rescued. NDRF has rescued three people and located four dead bodies under the rubble. We are unable to use hydraulic and gasoline equipment to avoid any fire incidents. We are using cranes to remove the debris. NDRF has rescued three victims. Before that, 65 had been rescued. The rescue operations will continue till the morning."
