Banyan Tree Collapses in Churchgate, Injuring Two and Damaging Four Vehicles

Two men sustained injuries and four vehicles suffered damage after a massive old banyan tree collapsed near B-2 Metro Station, opposite Kelan Bhavan in Churchgate, on Monday afternoon amid rainfall.

The injured individuals were identified as Sandeep Gamre, aged 55, and Shakil Ahemdad, aged 52. Emergency responders moved both individuals to separate hospitals across the city. Gamre was rushed to Bombay Hospital, where doctors administered treatment before discharging him on Monday evening. Ahemdad was admitted to GT Hospital and was likewise discharged later in the day following medical attention.

The collapse was formally reported to the CP Control room at approximately 12:36 pm. Emergency agencies, including teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, Mumbai Police, and municipal staff from the local Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ward office, were mobilised to manage the situation and clear the area.

According to preliminary information, the large banyan tree gave way suddenly and fell onto four vehicles parked near the location. The falling tree caused significant damage to the parked vehicles and injured the two men nearby. Fire brigade officials and civic ward staff worked together to cut away fallen branches and clear tree debris from the road, while local police personnel assisted on the ground with the response.

Ujwal Ingole, an officer representing the BMC's A Ward, under whose jurisdiction Churchgate falls, noted that preliminary assessments indicated the tree may have been compromised during the monsoon.

“Prima facie, it seems the roots opened during monsoon and it snapped. Two people were injured. We have asked the gardens department to investigate what was the cause to make sure there wasn’t any foul play,” Ingole said.

The BMC gardens department is expected to inspect the site and examine the fallen tree to ascertain the exact cause behind the collapse.