In a tragic echo of the Ghatkopar disaster, a hoarding collapsed at Sahajanand Chowk in Kalyan West, causing chaos and fear among local residents. The collapse, which occurred in the bustling morning hours, resulted in four to five cars being trapped under the heavy structure, and two individuals sustaining injuries.
Upon receiving reports of the incident, the fire brigade team promptly arrived at the scene and initiated rescue operations. The municipal officials also joined the effort to manage the situation and assist in the rescue operations.
Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of confusion and panic. One citizen, whose car was trapped under the collapsed hoarding, shared a harrowing account of narrowly escaping with his life. “I got out of my car and in a few moments my life was narrowly saved due to the fall of the hoarding… along with my car some other cars were stuck under the hoarding,” he recounted.
The incident has raised serious concerns among the residents of Kalyan, particularly because the issue of hoarding safety has been a topic of public debate in recent days. The fact that the collapsed hoarding had received municipal approval has only added to the residents’ anxiety and frustration. The presence of the national hospital near the square where the hoarding fell further heightened the sense of urgency and distress among the local community.
The municipal authorities and fire brigade teams are currently working to clear the debris and ensure the safety of the area. Initial reports indicate that the injured individuals have been taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries is not yet known, but rescue operations are continuing in full force to prevent any further casualties.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent safety measures and regular inspections of structures such as hoardings. With the memory of the Ghatkopar disaster still fresh in people’s minds, the collapse in Kalyan has reignited concerns about the adequacy of current safety protocols and the accountability of municipal authorities in granting approvals for such installations.
As investigations into the collapse continue, residents are calling for immediate action to address the underlying issues that led to this disaster. The community’s demand for better oversight and stricter enforcement of safety regulations is gaining momentum, as the fear of similar incidents looms large.