A massive billboard fell onto a petrol station and killed at least 14 people during a freak storm
Local police said the billboard measured around 230 feet by 165 feet, and collapsed due to "speedy winds" on Monday as Mumbai suffered heavy rains.
Prashant Waydande/Reuters
- Heavy winds blew down a billboard in Mumbai on Monday, crushing a petrol station and killing 14.
- Dozens of people were trapped for hours under the debris, with 75 people injured, authorities said.
- Authorities say they're taking down illegally erected billboards, some of which were larger than permitted.
At least 14 people were killed by a falling billboard in Mumbai, India after its structure collapsed due to stormwinds and crashed into several houses and a petrol station.
Local police said the billboard measured 70 meters by 50 meters, or about 230 feet by 165 feet, and collapsed on Monday at a petrol pump in the Ghatkopar suburb.
Dozens were trapped in the wreckage for hours, police added.
City officials confirmed in a statement on X that 14 people had died from the collapse and that an additional 75 people were injured. As of Tuesday, when the statement was issued, at least 31 of them had been discharged from medical treatment.
They said "speedy winds" had caused the hoarding to fall.
Footage shared on social media showed the billboard's metal supports giving way as it tipped over on one side, flattening cars and buildings in seconds.
A video of the aftermath published by The Associated Press showed the petrol station's collapsed roof, where crews worked to clear debris.
Local media reported that the billboard was larger than legally permitted and may have been erected without permission. The BBC, citing city authorities, reported the same.
Municipal authorities said on X they have since demolished three billboards set up illegally near the collapsed advertisement.
"An inquiry is already being ordered into the incident. Strict action will be taken against the culprits," said Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief minister of Mumbai's state, Maharashtra.
He said the government has organized around $6,000 in financial assistance for affected families. Typical annual wages in the city range from $5,200 to $7,200, per salary aggregation firms.
Mumbai has been battered by heavy rains and strong winds in the past week, and India's Meteorological Department expects thunderstorms and squalls to continue in Maharashtra for several days.
Dust storms have also emerged intermittently amid the rains, blanketing the city of 18 million in gray and orange hues.
The coastal urban hub hasn't even hit its monsoon season yet, which typically runs from June to September. Mumbai is often subject to floods during this period, with local media estimating that about 35% of the city sees chronic flooding.