Pillar Collapse Horror
Tragedy struck the bustling LBS Road in Mulund, Mumbai, when a segment of a metro construction pillar gave way unexpectedly on a Saturday afternoon. The
incident, which occurred around 12:20 PM near the Johnson & Johnson Company, saw a portion of the cement structure fall directly onto an auto-rickshaw that was passing by. This sudden and catastrophic event sent shockwaves through the community. Emergency services, including the Mumbai Fire Brigade, police, and ambulance crews, were immediately dispatched to the scene to manage the aftermath and provide urgent assistance to those affected by the collapse. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) confirmed that their project team was present and actively coordinating relief operations with other civic bodies.
Victims and Official Response
The devastating collapse resulted in the death of Ramdhan Yadav, as confirmed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Three other individuals were injured and promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Rajkumar Indrajeet Yadav sustained critical injuries, while Mahendra Pratap Yadav and Deepa Ruhiya were reported to be in stable condition. In response to this grave incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an immediate probe into the causes of the pillar collapse. He also announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs. 5 lakh for the family of the deceased and pledged that the state government would cover the medical expenses for all injured individuals. The Chief Minister expressed his grief and wished for the swift recovery of those hurt.
Accountability and Investigation
Following the tragic accident, there was a strong call for accountability. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde indicated that both the MMRDA and the responsible contractor were being scrutinized for potential negligence. She stated that safety regulations might not have been adequately followed during the installation of the parapet wall or girder the previous night. The site engineer from MMRDA, the relevant contractor, and the consultant were identified as potentially responsible parties. Mayor Tawde assured that a third-party audit would be conducted on the MMRDA site engineer and the contractor, with appropriate action to be taken. A case was expected to be registered as investigations commenced into the circumstances that led to this fatal mishap.
