Three people have been killed and at least 59 injured in Mumbai, India, after a billboard collapsed during thunderstorms and heavy rain. The incident occurred in the suburb of Ghatkopar, where scores of people are believed to be trapped.
A billboard collapsed in Mumbai, India, killing three people and injuring 59 during thunderstorms and heavy rain, the Press Trust of India reported Monday.
Scores of people were thought to be trapped after the collapse in the suburb of Ghatkopar, Mumbai police said on social media platform X.
At least 47 people had been rescued and were receiving hospital treatment, said Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief minister of Maharashtra state.
He said an investigation had been ordered into the accident. Rescue operations continued.
India has heavy rain and severe floods during monsoon season between June and September, which brings most of South Asia’s annual rainfall. The rains are crucial for rain-fed crops planted during the season but often cause extensive damage.
India’s weather department said lightning, rain and winds were likely to occur in parts of Mumbai in the coming hours, local media reported.
The incident highlights the dangers of monsoon season in India, which often brings heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides. In 2019, at least 1,000 people were killed in monsoon-related incidents in the country.
The collapse of the billboard has raised questions about the safety of such structures in India. Many billboards in the country are old and poorly maintained, and they often collapse during heavy rains or winds.
The Mumbai Municipal Corporation has ordered an audit of all billboards in the city to ensure their safety.
The collapse of the billboard has also caused traffic congestion in the area, as police and emergency responders work to clear the scene.
The incident is a reminder of the importance of taking precautions during monsoon season in India. People should be aware of the risks of flooding, landslides and other hazards, and they should take steps to stay safe.
