On the evening of May 13, a billboard over 30 meters high in Ghatkopar, the financial center of Mumbai, India, collapsed after a thunderstorm and heavy rain, killing at least 9 people and injuring 70 others.
The illegal billboard fell on a petrol pump at Cheddanagar junction in Ghatkopar area.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has reached the spot and is trying to rescue those trapped under the rubble.
Following the incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced compensation of 500,000 rupees (nearly 6,000 USD) to the relatives of those who died.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has cancelled his Lok Sabha election campaign and public meeting in Mulund area.
On social network X, Mr. Fadnavis said relevant forces such as the police, disaster management department... are working together to rescue and evacuate trapped people.
He suspected another 20-30 people were trapped under the rubble.
Besides, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has sent a dedicated team of 60 personnel along with heavy cranes and cutters to assist in the rescue work.
TB (according to VNA)