On a Monday afternoon, around four o'clock, the weather in and around Mumbai took a swift turn as strong winds and rain began. Some hoped the rain would bring respite from the sweltering heat and humidity. But within minutes, a horrifying scene unfolded in Ghatkopar's Pant Nagar area where a billboard was no match for the fierce wind and abruptly came crashing down onto a gas station. The collapse immediately spurred a commotion with screams piercing the air as nearly 100 people were trapped underneath. Local police, fire brigade teams, and the NDRF were quickly summoned to the scene. Throughout the night, rescue operations ensued, but the disaster claimed the lives of 14 individuals.
A friend breaks the news at home
Among those 14 was Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, approximately 49 years old. Originally from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, Bashir was a taxi driver in Mumbai. Like any other Monday, he was ferrying a passenger to Thane when he stopped to refuel his taxi with CNG in Pant Nagar. Little did he know, a fellow driver, who was ahead of him in queue, would be the one to inform his wife of the catastrophe after narrowly escaping as the billboard collapsed just as he exited the station.
Source: aajtak
As the disaster struck, those trapped beneath the billboard cried for help. Realizing his friend was also caught in the mishap, the other taxi driver swiftly contacted Bashir's wife. Bashir's family, including his wife and marriageable daughter, rushed to the site but found no information about his whereabouts.
By around 3 AM, several bodies were retrieved, and police directed the families to Rajawadi Hospital. Upon arrival, they were greeted with the grim reality of Bashir's demise. Families now plead with the government for assistance, much like several others who lost loved ones in the storm's fury the previous day.
Source: aajtak
Sachin's Wedding was Only Two and a Half Years Ago
In a similar vein, another family, shattered by loss, rushed to Rajawadi Hospital to claim the body of Sachin Yadav, a petrol attendant at the very gas station. Sachin also succumbed to the incident, leaving behind his recent bride and a 3-month-old daughter. The sole breadwinner of his family and a native of Uttar Pradesh residing in Sion Koliwada, his family is now enveloped by sorrow and seeking government support.
Another grieving family sought their elder brother at the hospital. Auto-driver Akram had gone to refuel when the tragedy struck. After numerous unanswered calls, his family reached the site by 9 PM, only to be turned away by police. Upon showing Akram's photo at the hospital later, they were informed of his passing. Like many others, Akram's wife and daughter hold onto hope for government aid, whilst their heartache seems insurmountable.
Source: aajtak
The incidents outlined paint a distressing picture of the aftermath, igniting a cry for help and highlighting the collapse's harrowing impact on the community. The resilience of those affected is a testament to the human spirit in the face of such unforeseen tragedy.
