In a somber turn of events, the bustling city of Mumbai was rocked by a devastating incident when a massive hoarding toppled over in the Ghatkopar area, leading to the tragic loss of 14 lives. The collapse occurred on an already chaotic Monday evening as the city was besieged by heavy rainfall and a sandstorm, adding to the woes of the metropolis.
The entertainment world, always closely connected to the heartbeat of the city, responded in shock and mourning. Actor Vijay Varma, widely recognized for his impeccable performances, and television host Mini Mathur, renowned for her wit and charm, were amongst the prominent names who took to social media to voice their heartache and frustration at this catastrophe. Mathur, in a message on her Instagram stories, lamented the disregard for human life, questioning the accountability of those responsible for the hoarding’s presence. “Life in our country has ZERO VALUE,” she wrote, highlighting the lack of answers and action against the corrupt practices that facilitate such flagrant rule-breaking.
Echoing the sentiment, the noted actress Soni Razdan commented on the situation with a poignant note on her Instagram story about the “case of the invisible hoarding,” visible only in its falling and the subsequent fatalities that it caused.
Vijay Varma shared a video capturing the dreadful moment, succinctly expressing his shock with a heartfelt “Oh no.”
In light of the calamity, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) under the guidance of Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani assured that swift action will be dispensed against all illegal hoardings across the city. He declared that the Ghatkopar hoarding was unauthorized, a stark revelation that raises concerns over civic vigilance. “We are starting that today,” Gagrani affirmed in a statement, promising thorough investigation and punitive measures.
The incident left 44 individuals grievously injured, who are now receiving medical care, indicative of the magnitude and severity of the incident. Further igniting the situation was the report of indiscriminate tree-felling aimed at ensuring the visibility of the now-fallen advertisement, an act that has also come under legal scrutiny.
The aftermath of the event has seen political figures weighing in on the implications of such negligence. BJP stalwart Kirit Somaiya pinpointed the owner of the advertising agency responsible for erecting the billboard and urged for them to be held accountable. Moreover, Somaiya has called for the owner to be declared a fugitive by law enforcement, a stark reflection of the anger and outcry for justice surrounding the tragedy.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde echoed the call for stringent action, informing the public that a case of culpable homicide is in the works, sending a clear message about the government’s stance on the issue.
The deaths and injuries that arose from the collapse of the hoarding in Ghatkopar paint a grim picture of urban hazards and regulatory lapses. As the city mourns, the clamor for answers and justice grows louder, with citizens and celebrities alike waiting to see the concrete steps that will be taken to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future. The saga of the silent protectorate vs. the unchecked concrete jungle continues, as Mumbai awaits the unfolding of accountability in the wake of this dire tragedy.
This report is compiled from various sources and while we strive for accuracy, Mid-day is not responsible for the dependability or reliability of the data. Mid-day reserves the right to alter or remove content at their discretion.
