Death toll in Ghatkopar hoarding tragedy rises to 16

• The death toll is likely to increase
• The gas Cutter caused the fire

Mumbai – The death toll in the Ghatkopar billboard collapse tragedy rose to 16 on Wednesday as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) recovered two more bodies from a car stuck at the accident site. The hoarding collapsed due to a sudden dust storm, gusty winds and heavy rain that hit Mumbai on 15th May. The work of rescuing citizens is still going on and there is a possibility that some more people may be trapped under the hoarding. Due to this, the death toll is likely to increase. At present, rescue operations are underway at the site of the accident by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Administration, Police and NDRF (National Disaster Response Force).

Cutting and drilling equipment are not being used due to the nearby petrol pump. Also, fuel has leaked from damaged vehicles that were struck under the 120×120-foot billboard, the NDRF informed. Therefore, gas cutters were used after emptying all the stock of petrol, diesel and CNG gas in the petrol pump. The NDRF official also said a small fire broke out at the incident site in Ghatkopar during the search and rescue operation on 15th May, but it was immediately brought under control.

18 two-wheelers and 6-7 four-wheelers were pulled out from the debris

NDRF, BMC and Police with the help of Heavy machinery are clearing and lifting the steel structure and girder of the billboard that collapsed on the petrol pump and a parking lot,” an NDRF official said. 18 two-wheelers and six to seven four-wheelers have been pulled out of it. Another 30 to 40 people are likely to be under the piles of hoardings. It is likely to take another 24 hours to remove the entire debris.