Mumbai billboard collapse: Death toll climbs to 14, FIR filed against owner of Ghatkopar hoarding

The death toll in the Mumbai billboard collapse climbed to 14 on May 14, according to ANI news agency. The police have filed a case against the owner of the hoarding, Ego Media, and others.

Bhavesh Bhinde, and others were booked under sections 304 (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 337 (causing hurt to another person by acting rashly or negligently) of the Indian Penal Code, PTI news agency reporting quoting an official. The case has been registered at Pantnagar police station and the investigation is underway, he said.

The 100-foot tall billboard, which was illegal according to civic officials, was uprooted during a dust storm, and fell on a petrol pump at the Cheddanagar Junction in Ghatkopar, killing several people and injuring 80 others.

The unseasonal rain and dust storms led to the suspension of flight operations at Mumbai airport for an hour in the evening due to low visibility, services of local trains were delayed while traffic snarls were seen in several areas.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced an initial compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the deceased. The government will also bear the treatment cost of the injured, he added.

“I have asked the municipal commissioner to conduct a special audit of all hoardings in Mumbai and take action against those responsible for illegal hoardings,” Shinde said.

Also read | Mumbai rains: 8 killed, dozens injured as billboard collapses on petrol pump in Ghatkopar