Massive Hoarding Collapses on Pokhran Road No. 2 in Thane Amid Heavy Winds
Heavy rain and strong gusty winds caused a massive hoarding to collapse in the Gandhinagar-Subhashnagar area along Pokhran Road No. 2 in Thane on Monday morning. The incident blocked traffic and prompted an immediate emergency response, though no injuries or casualties were reported.
The hoarding, which was installed on a road divider, came crashing onto the rain-soaked roadway amid powerful winds that have been battering the city over the past two days. The massive metal structure was left sprawled across the road, with debris scattered around the site.
Soon after the collapse occurred, civic officials, disaster management teams, and traffic police reached the spot to begin emergency clearance operations. Civic workers and emergency personnel quickly cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of local residents and commuters.
Authorities diverted vehicles while the clearance operations were carried out on Pokhran Road No. 2. Traffic police advised commuters to completely avoid the affected stretch of the road until the structure was removed and the path was made safe.
Although Pokhran Road No. 2 usually witnesses heavy morning traffic, the impact of the collapse was significantly reduced. This was largely because schools across Thane remained closed on Monday due to the adverse weather conditions.
Additionally, the district administration had urged residents to step out of their homes only if absolutely necessary. This advisory resulted in fewer vehicles on the roads, which helped avert what could have been a major tragedy during the morning rush hour.
The collapse has once again raised concerns among locals over the structural safety of hoardings across Thane. Strong winds and heavy rainfall during the monsoon season can weaken or destabilize these large outdoor installations.
The incident has led to renewed calls for authorities to conduct stricter inspections and ensure timely maintenance of billboards to prevent similar accidents in the future. Efforts to clear the site and fully restore normal traffic were underway following the incident.
