Police in Mumbai have arrested the owner of a large billboard that collapsed on a petrol station, resulting in the death of 16 people and injuring 75 others. The accident occurred during a fierce storm that struck the coastal city. The owner, Bhavesh Bhinde, fled the city after the collapse but was later apprehended in Udaipur, around 800km north of Mumbai. Authorities opened a culpable homicide case against him, and he was found staying in a hotel under a relative’s name when he was arrested.
The storm that hit Mumbai not only caused the tragic incident with the billboard but also uprooted trees, led to power outages in various areas, and disrupted the city’s train network. Flights at Mumbai’s international airport were temporarily grounded, with several planes being diverted as a result. The resulting chaos and damage from the storm prompted the chief minister of Maharashtra state, Eknath Shinde, to order an audit of all billboards in Mumbai to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
The arrest of Bhavesh Bhinde and the subsequent investigation shed light on the potential dangers posed by poorly maintained billboards and structures during extreme weather conditions. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and safety protocols for billboards and other structures in densely populated areas. Authorities will continue to monitor and conduct audits to ensure that safety standards are met and that similar accidents are prevented in the future.
The collapse of the billboard and the resulting loss of life and injuries have raised concerns about the safety and regulation of billboards in Mumbai and other cities in India. As the investigation into the incident progresses, authorities are likely to focus on enforcing stricter safety measures for billboards and other structures to prevent similar accidents from occurring. The tragic event has highlighted the need for comprehensive safety assessments and maintenance protocols for billboards and other structures to ensure the well-being of individuals in urban areas.
The arrest of Bhavesh Bhinde in connection with the collapse of the billboard underscores the accountability of individuals and companies responsible for maintaining and ensuring the safety of structures in public spaces. The police investigation and legal proceedings involving Bhinde will likely serve as a warning to other owners and operators of billboards to adhere to safety regulations and standards. The incident has prompted a reevaluation of safety protocols for billboards in Mumbai and a renewed commitment to preventing future accidents through stricter enforcement of regulations.
Overall, the collapse of the billboard in Mumbai has sparked a conversation about the safety of billboards and structures in urban areas, particularly during extreme weather events. The incident has prompted authorities to take action to ensure that similar accidents are prevented through audits and enforcement of safety regulations. The arrest of the billboard owner and the ongoing investigation serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and maintenance in public spaces to protect the well-being of individuals and prevent tragedies like the one that occurred in Mumbai.
