Your Route to Real News

Moment 100ft billboard topples & crushes bystanders as dust storms smash India

13 May 2024 , 19:10
640     0
Harrowing footage shows the moment the billboard collapses crushing everything in its path as it falls
Harrowing footage shows the moment the billboard collapses crushing everything in its path as it falls

THIS is the horrifying moment a massive 100ft billboard toppled over in India and killed four helpless bystanders.

At least 60 others have been injured after a frightening dust storm threw Mumbai into chaos on Monday - with 40 people believed to be trapped under piles of debris as tireless recuse missions continue.

The moment the 100ft billboard snapped from its hinges and plummeted backwards onto a busy petrol station qhidqxidtqiquzprw
The moment the 100ft billboard snapped from its hinges and plummeted backwards onto a busy petrol stationCredit: mediadrumimages
The fallen billboard toppled on top of a fuel station in Mumbai killing at least four people and leaving 60 injured
The fallen billboard toppled on top of a fuel station in Mumbai killing at least four people and leaving 60 injuredCredit: Reuters
Vehicles were left completely crushed under the weight of the billboard as firefighters struggled to help those trapped
Vehicles were left completely crushed under the weight of the billboard as firefighters struggled to help those trappedCredit: Reuters
The billboard couldn't be moved for hours as torrential dust storms and heavy wind and rain battered much of Mumbai today
The billboard couldn't be moved for hours as torrential dust storms and heavy wind and rain battered much of Mumbai todayCredit: AP

Train lines and airports were also temporarily shut down in Mumbai due to the weather as the sky plummeted into complete dusty darkness.

Shocking footage shows the huge billboard falling over at a petrol station in India's capital.

A powerful dust storm paired with heavy rainfall left the sign extremely vulnerable to the torrid weather as it can be seen snapping at the hinges.

Two New York cops stabbed during celebrations in Times SquareTwo New York cops stabbed during celebrations in Times Square

The billboard dramatically fell backwards in the harrowing video and crushing everything underneath it.

Its thick metal frame reportedly ripped through several cars waiting at the petrol garage and engulfed the building entirely leaving it in a heap under the intense weight of the sign.

Alongside the tragic deaths, another 100 people were left injured or missing after the terrifying collapse in the eastern suburb of Ghatkopar.

Onlookers can be seen running to help those trapped under the billboard as they battle through the ungodly conditions.

Police are still searching the crash site for any more victims or survivors buried under the debris, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said.

Officials have announced 12 fire engines and two cranes have been deployed for rescue operations.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said: “The state government has ordered an investigation into the incident.

“Mumbai was caught off guard by the strong dust storm, which crippled transport, uprooted trees and structures, and led to power outages in many districts of the financial capital.

“The sky turned dark when the dust storm hit the city."

Those injured were quickly taken to Rajawadi Hospital for treatment.

At least nine killed after New Year's Day stampede at shopping centreAt least nine killed after New Year's Day stampede at shopping centre

Huge numbers of rescuers can be seen in crash helmets and hard hats working to save those affected by the mega ordeal.

As clips of the aftermath show trucks split in half and crushed like toys as people watch on in disbelief as they get soaked through by the rain.

It is thought that some houses were also caught in the devastation.

Officials are unable to use traditional cutters to move the billboard to find any survivors due to it falling on a petrol station around highly sensitive gas-fuelled pumps.

Rescuers were deployed to the crash site to try and pull people safely from the devastating wreckage
Rescuers were deployed to the crash site to try and pull people safely from the devastating wreckageCredit: AP
The aftermath of the crash site hours after the billboard fell with rescuers still searching for survivors and bodies
The aftermath of the crash site hours after the billboard fell with rescuers still searching for survivors and bodiesCredit: AP
Dust storm, wind, lightning, and thunder have all caused chaos in Mumbai today leaving trees uprooted and even train stations and airports suspended
Dust storm, wind, lightning, and thunder have all caused chaos in Mumbai today leaving trees uprooted and even train stations and airports suspendedCredit: EPA
Members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) looking for survivors underneath the billboard
Members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) looking for survivors underneath the billboardCredit: AFP

Authorities are now looking into what caused the billboard to topple in such a horrific way.

Some local reports suggest the billboard advertisement agency may not have had permission to install the structure.

Much of Mumbai was caught out by the weather including major airports like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).

CSMIA authorities said: "Due to the inclement weather and dust storms in the city CSMIA temporarily suspended flight operations for around 66 minutes due to low visibility and gusty winds.

"During this time, the airport saw 15 diversions.”

The dust storm also sent trees flying across Mumbai as the dangerous conditions worsened throughout the day.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Mumbai warned of the horrific conditions earlier in the day as they issued a "nowcast warning" for the city.

They predicted thunderstorms and lightning throughout long periods of the day with moderate to intense rainfall.

Mumbai, like several other major Indian cities, is well-known to severe floods and disastrous rainfall due to the country's monsoon season.

Officials announced 12 fire engines and two cranes have been deployed for rescue operations
Officials announced 12 fire engines and two cranes have been deployed for rescue operationsCredit: AFP
Hundreds of onlookers helped in the rescue operations long into the night
Hundreds of onlookers helped in the rescue operations long into the nightCredit: AP
Rescuers looking for people under the debris as the torrid conditions continued to cause issues across India
Rescuers looking for people under the debris as the torrid conditions continued to cause issues across IndiaCredit: AP

Georgie English

Print page

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus