What's happened
A massive billboard in Mumbai collapsed during a storm, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens. The structure, measuring 70 meters by 50 meters, fell on a petrol pump in the Ghatkopar suburb, trapping many under the debris. Rescue efforts are underway to save those still trapped.
What's behind the headline?
What the papers say
According to Business Insider UK, the billboard collapsed due to 'speedy winds,' causing devastation in the Ghatkopar suburb. Sky News reported that the billboard was nine times larger than the maximum permitted size, leading to questions about safety regulations. Metro shared footage showing the aftermath of the collapse, with emergency teams working tirelessly to rescue those trapped under the debris.
How we got here
Mumbai, India's financial capital, experiences frequent thunderstorms during certain seasons, posing risks to structures like billboards. The incident raises concerns about the construction and maintenance standards of billboards in densely populated areas. Safety measures and building codes will likely come under scrutiny following this tragic event.
Go deeper
- How did the authorities respond to the incident?
- What safety measures are being considered to prevent similar accidents in the future?
- Are there any updates on the rescue efforts for those trapped under the debris?
More on these topics
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Mumbai is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. According to United Nations, as of 2018, Mumbai is the most populous city in the country and the seventh-most populous city in the world with a population of roughly 20 million.