Billboard collapses onto group of pedestrians, killing at least 14

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A large billboard collapsed onto a group of pedestrians in India late Monday evening, killing at least 14 people and injuring 74 others, officials said.

According to city officials, a 100-foot-tall billboard fell onto a gas station in the suburb of Ghatkopar in the western city of Mumbai on Monday evening. At least 47 people were rescued late into the night.

The collapse took place during a thunderstorm which included heavy rain and high winds.

City officials blamed the turbulent weather for the deadly collapse: “Yesterday (13 May) evening, in the Chheda Nagar area of Ghatkopar, a tragic incident occurred due to speedy winds, resulting in the collapse of a hoarding.”

BUS CARRYING EASTER WORSHIPPERS VEERS OFF BRIDGE AND PLUNGES NEARLY 200 FEET, KILLING AT LEAST 45

City officials said the 100-foot-tall billboard fell onto a gas station in the suburb of Ghatkopar in the western city of Mumbai. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

A rescue operation continued into Tuesday morning for those people who may still be trapped.

GIANT EXTINCT SNAKE DISCOVERED IN INDIA WAS 50 FEET LONG, SAID RESEARCHERS

“Medical treatment is currently being provided to 44 injured individuals, with 31 already discharged after receiving treatment. Unfortunately, 14 people succumbed to death in this mishap,” officials said.

Heavy rain and thundershowers are believed to have caused a billboard to collapse in Mumbai, India. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Rescuers look for victims under a billboard that collapsed following heavy rain and thundershowers in Mumbai, India, Monday, May 13, 2024.  (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Police are investigating the collapse and say the billboard may have been illegally installed, according to the Press Trust of India news agency. 

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India often experiences heavy rain and severe floods, especially during its monsoon season that typically stretches from June to September.

Scores of people were thought to be still trapped after the billboard collapsed in the suburb of Ghatkopar, Mumbai police said on social media platform X.  (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

This season brings most of India’s annual rainfall. The rain is crucial for agriculture but often causes extensive damage.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.