Mumbai Ghatkopar Hoarding Collapse: Death Toll Rises To 8, Says BMC Commissioner; DCM Fadnavis Orders Probe (VIDEO)

Mumbai: Eight people died in Mumbai's Ghatkopar incident where a large hoarding fell at a petrol pump station following a severe dust storm on Monday (May 13). Over 59 people were injured in the incident and several people are feared trapped at the petrol pump station, according to the BMC. Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry into the matter.

BMC Commissioner, speaking to the media, said that over 8 people died in the incident and that 20-30 people were trapped under the hoarding in Ghatkopar.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis commenting on the incident said, "There will be an investigation regarding what kind of permission they have for this hoarding, whether they had this permission or not. The CM has directed that a proper audit of all the hoardings in Mumbai be done by BMC to mitigate such incidents in future. Whovever has done this kind of ignorance, strict action will be taken against them."

The hoarding fell on the BPCL Petrol Pump situated at Chedda Nagar in Ghatkopar.

The rescue operations are underway and BMC vehicles are present at the spot. NDRF and SDRF teams were present at the spot and over 67 people were rescued.

Visuals of the rescue operation also surfaced and NDRF workers were seen trying their best to rescue the people trapped.

The civic body said that it would file a case against the Railway and advertising company Ego Media in connection to the case. Allegedly, the hoarding that collapsed causing the loss of lives and property was illegally installed.

"The complaint will be filed for registering an FIR (in the matter) under the Disaster Management Act," said the BMC PRO.