Massive tree collapses outside JB Vachha School in Dadar amid heavy rain
A massive tree collapsed and blocked the main entrance of JB Vachha School at Five Gardens in Dadar on Monday morning, July 6. The incident occurred during the morning hours when students would normally have been arriving, but a precautionary school holiday declared a day earlier kept the campus deserted and prevented potential injuries.
The fallen tree completely blocked the school's main entrance and the adjacent road, spreading its large branches across the thoroughfare. No injuries were reported from the scene, which officials noted could have otherwise resulted in a major tragedy.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had announced the closure of all government, municipal, and private schools and colleges on Sunday. The precautionary measure was implemented as the city braced for intense rainfall and strong winds forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The holiday decision proved highly timely, as the tree collapsed almost exactly when students and parents would have been gathering outside the school gates. Local residents shared images of the fallen tree on social media, expressing gratitude to the civic authorities for declaring the holiday and stating that the decision likely saved lives.
Responding to the social media posts, the Mumbai Police stated that the matter had been brought to the attention of the Matunga Police Station for necessary action.
The IMD had placed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region under an Orange Alert, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall along with gusty winds over a 24-hour period. In response to the weather warning, several other civic bodies in the region, including the Thane Municipal Corporation, Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation, and administrations in Palghar and Panvel, also declared holidays for schools and colleges.
While educational institutions remained closed, government and private offices continued to function. Civic authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and rely only on official advisories, warning that heavy rain and strong winds could cause further waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and tree collapses.
