Horror moment giant 100ft billboard topples & crushes bystanders as dust storms smash India killing 4
THIS is the horrifying moment a massive 100ft billboard fatefully toppled over in India killing four helpless bystanders.
At least 60 others have been injured after a frightening dust storm threw Mumbai into chaos today with 40 people still believed to be trapped under piles of debris as tireless recuse missions continue.
Train lines and airports were also temporarily shut down in Mumbai due to the weather as the sky plummeted into complete dusty darkness.
Shocking footage shows the huge billboard falling over at a petrol station in India‘s capital.
A powerful dust storm paired with heavy rainfall left the sign extremely vulnerable to the torrid weather as it can be seen snapping at the hinges.
The billboard dramatically fell backwards in the harrowing video and crushing everything underneath it.
Its thick metal frame reportedly ripped through several cars waiting at the petrol garage and engulfed the building entirely leaving it in a heap under the intense weight of the sign.
Alongside the three tragic deaths another 100 people were left injured or missing after the terrifying collapse in the eastern suburb of Ghatkopar.
Onlookers can be seen running to help those trapped under the billboard as they battle through the ungodly conditions.
Police are still searching the crash site for anymore victims or survivors buried under the debris, say the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
Officials have announced 12 fire engines and two cranes have been deployed for rescue operations.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, put out a statement through social media saying: “The state government has ordered an investigation into the incident.
“Mumbai was caught off guard by the strong dust storm, which crippled transport, uprooted trees and structures, and led to power outages in many districts of the financial capital.
“The sky turned dark when the dust storm hit the city.”
Those injured were quickly taken to Rajawadi Hospital for treatment.
Huge numbers of rescuers can be seen in crash helmets and hard hats working on saving those affected by the mega ordeal.
As clips of the aftermath show trucks split in half and crushed like toys as people watch on in disbelief as they get soaked through by the rain.
It is thought that some houses were also caught in the devastation.
Officials are unable to use traditional cutters to move the billboard to find any survivors due to it falling on a petrol station around highly sensitive gas-fuelled pumps.
Authorities are now looking into what caused the billboard to topple in such a horrific way.
Some local reports are suggesting the billboard advertisement agency may not have had permission to install the structure.
Much of Mumbai was caught out by the weather including major airports like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
CSMIA authorities said: “Due to the inclement weather and dust storms in the city CSMIA temporarily suspended flight operations for around 66 minutes due to low visibility and gusty winds.
“During this time, the airport saw 15 diversions.”
The dust storm also sent trees flying across Mumbai as the dangerous conditions worsened throughout the day.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Mumbai warned of the horrific conditions earlier in the day as they issued a “nowcast warning” for the city.
They predicted thunderstorms and lightning throughout long periods of the day with moderate to intense rainfall.
Mumbai, like several other major Indian cities is well-known to severe floods and disastrous rainfall due to the countries monsoon season.