14 dead, more than 70 injured as billboard falls during dust storm in Mumbai

At least 14 people died and over 70 were injured when a massive billboard collapsed during a fierce storm that hit Mumbai on Monday evening.

The 100-foot billboard, situated opposite a fuel station in the Ghatkopar area of Mumbai, fell due to the intense storm, crashing down directly onto the fuel station below. 

CCTV footage from the area captured the hoarding tearing through the roofs of several cars before falling on the ground.

Search and rescue mission is currently in progress. The NDRF has dispatched two teams to assist in collaboration with the Mumbai Fire Brigade and other involved agencies.

The billboard was erected by Ego Media on a plot which has been leased to the Police Welfare Corporation by the Maharashtra government's Police Housing Division, according to a report by NDTV.

Mumbai Police has registered a case against the owner of Ego Media, along with others implicated in the incident.

There are four hoardings from Ego Media on the premises, one of which collapsed Monday evening. 
Although Ego Media was granted permission for all four hoardings, including the one that fell, by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Railways), no authorisation or No Objection Certificate (NOC) was obtained from the BMC before installation.

Consequently, the BMC has issued a notice to the Railway Police's ACP and the Railway Commissioner, demanding the cancellation of all permissions granted by the Railways and the removal of the hoardings.

Mumbai on Monday evening was hit by a sudden and powerful dust storm which disrupted transport networks with local trains and airport services grinding to a halt in the face of the storm. 

Several flights were suspended because of low visibility and gusty winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued urgent warnings, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and heavy rain for Mumbai and surrounding areas.