Ex Air Traffic Manager, Wife Killed In Mumbai Hoarding Collapse; Death Toll Rises To 16

Manoj Chansoria, the retired general manager of Mumbai ATC, and his wife Anita were tragically found deceased inside their car on Wednesday night. This occurred after a 100-foot hoarding collapsed onto a petrol pump in east Mumbai, trapping them and approximately 100 others under the debris. Mr. Chansoria had retired from his position in March and the couple had moved to Jabalpur.

They had returned to Mumbai for visa formalities for Mrs. Chansoria. After completing their tasks, they were on their way back to Jabalpur and had stopped at the Ghatkopar petrol pump to refill petrol when the hoarding collapse occurred. Concerned when their calls went unanswered, their son, who resides in the US, sought help through a friend in Mumbai.

A missing complaint was lodged and the police traced their mobile phones to the location near the petrol pump. The couple’s friends and relatives gathered, hoping for their rescue from the debris. Unfortunately, the collapse has resulted in 16 deaths and 41 injuries.

Out of the 34 individuals rescued, 34 have been discharged from various Mumbai hospitals after receiving treatment. Following the retrieval of all bodies from the debris, the search and rescue operations at the collapse site have been terminated. The hoarding, which was three times larger than the size allowed by the Brihanmumbai Corporation, spanned 120×120 feet and weighed 250 tonnes, posing a significant risk due to high-speed winds near the coastline.

The owner of the advertising agency responsible for the hoarding is facing a case of culpable homicide and has over 20 police cases filed against him, including one of rape. The Maharashtra Chief Minister has announced a compensation of ₹ 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and has also pledged to cover the treatment costs for the injured.