Death Toll Rises to 16
The death toll in the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse tragedy has reached 16, with two more bodies recovered from a car trapped under the fallen structure. The incident occurred on Monday evening during heavy rains and strong winds, causing the billboard to collapse.
Rescue operations have been ongoing since the incident, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) playing a crucial role. So far, 74 people have been rescued alive, while 16 bodies have been recovered.
The Mumbai police have registered a case against the owner of the hoarding and others, charging them with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others, and causing damage to public property.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. The government will also bear all expenses for the treatment of those injured.
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
A total of 44 people were admitted to the hospital, with 31 discharged after receiving treatment. The State Disaster Management Authority continues to coordinate rescue efforts with the NDRF, ambulance services, and the fire department.