KATHMANDU: Late Monday night, tragedy struck in India's southwestern state of Maharashtra as a massive advertisement billboard collapsed amid a heavy storm accompanied by rainfall, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 individuals and leaving nearly 75 others injured. The incident occurred in the Ghatkopar area of Mumbai, the country's financial capital, as confirmed by a civic agency official via phone.
Videos circulating on social media captured the harrowing scene, showing the towering billboard crashing down and trapping numerous cars and vehicles beneath it. The billboard, situated adjacent to a fuel station, collapsed unexpectedly, catching victims who had sought shelter at the station amidst the storm and rain.
Local authorities, including the police and fire department personnel, swiftly responded to the scene, undertaking rescue efforts to extricate individuals trapped under the fallen billboard. The injured individuals were quickly transported to a nearby hospital for immediate medical assistance.
In the aftermath of the tragic incident, the Mumbai Police initiated legal action by registering a criminal case against the owner of the billboard, citing its illegal installation as a contributing factor to the calamity.
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