Brings back grim memories of Ghatkopar tragedy
CLOSE CALL: A massive advertising hoarding lies collapsed across the Arpora-Nagoa coastal road, disrupting traffic and alarming early morning commuters on Tuesday.
Photo Credits: Saurav Shirodkar
Mapusa
In a chilling reminder of the tragic hoarding collapse in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area last year that claimed over 17 lives and left dozens injured, a large advertising hoarding came crashing down early Tuesday morning on the busy Arpora-Nagoa coastal road, disrupting traffic and triggering panic among commuters.
Fortunately, the incident did not result in any casualties or injuries. However, the collapse has sparked serious concerns over public safety and infrastructure oversight, particularly in high-traffic zones frequented by tourists and locals alike.
Eyewitnesses described the moment of the collapse as sudden and shocking.
“The hoarding just fell without warning. It narrowly missed a couple of vehicles and some pedestrians,” said one local resident.
“If this had happened even an hour later during peak time, we could have had a major disaster on our hands,” he said.
The hoarding, which spanned across the width of the road, blocked traffic completely and caused significant disruption during the early hours.
Police and fire services responded promptly to the scene, cordoning off the area and diverting traffic coming from the Calangute side.
Firefighters began dismantling the twisted metal structure to restore access.
Preliminary assessments point to possible causes including structural weakness, substandard installation or lack of regular maintenance.
“It’s too early to say what exactly caused the collapse. But we are investigating all possibilities – from engineering flaws to human negligence or even weather-related stress,” said a fire official on site.
The incident has reignited demands for stricter regulations on the installation and monitoring of large hoardings.
“After the Ghatkopar tragedy, one would expect authorities across the country to tighten safety norms. But it seems lessons are quickly forgotten,” said a local activist, urging government departments to conduct immediate inspections of all such structures in Goa.
The Mumbai hoarding collapse in May 2024 occurred during a dust storm, when a massive billboard fell on a petrol pump in Ghatkopar, killing 16 and injuring several others, with multiple vehicles crushed under the debris.
That incident had raised questions about oversight, especially since the hoarding was found to be unauthorized.
While Tuesday’s incident in Arpora did not result in loss of life, experts warn that it must serve as a wake-up call.
