Ghatkopar hoarding collapse: Search and rescue rfforts ongoing for over 21 hours

Ghatkopar hoarding collapse site/ Sameer Markande

The search and rescue operation in Mumbai's Ghatkopar region has been ongoing for more than 21 hours following the fall of a big billboard caused by strong winds and unexpected rains. As of Tuesday, civic officials verified that at least 14 people had died and 75 others were injured in Ghatkopar hoarding collapse.

A total of 89 people have been rescued from the debris, with 32 already released from hospitals. The injured are receiving treatment at six hospitals in Mumbai and Thane.

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According to the PTI, the 25 persons, who were injured in the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse, were admitted to Rajwadi Hospital, while M J Hospital Vikhroli and HBT Hospital in Jogeshwari housed four and three patients, respectively. One seriously injured person at Rajawadi Hospital is still in serious condition.

The search and rescue operation in Ghatkopar hoarding collapse incident began at about 4:50 pm on Monday and included 12 fire engines and extra vehicles.

Since 7:10 pm on Monday, two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams totalling 100 people have been assisting with the effort in the Ghatkopar hoarding case.

Two heavy-duty cranes, two hydra cranes, two JCBs, two gas cutter teams and 25 ambulances are being used in the search operations being conducted at Ghatkopar hoarding collapse site. Over 125 people, including BMC and MMRDA employees, are on the rescue team.

The fall occurred at a gas pump in Chheda Nagar in Ghatkopar when an illegal 120 × 120-foot billboard fell. Authorities believe around 100 individuals may have been trapped beneath, the PTI report added.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde went to the site and ordered a structural analysis of all billboards in the city. The police have filed charges against the proprietor of Ego Media and others under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

According to the PTI report, the owner of Ego Media and others have been booked under Sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 337 (causing hurt to another person by acting rashly or negligently) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).