In a tragic incident, at least 14 people were killed and 74 others were hospitalized after a massive billboard collapsed during a sudden thunderstorm in Mumbai, India's financial capital. The incident occurred late Monday in the eastern suburb of Ghatkopar, at a gas station located along a busy highway.

According to local authorities, the 220-foot-by-160-foot billboard came crashing down due to the powerful storm and heavy rainfall. The impact caused severe damage to the gas station's roof and crushed several cars underneath, bringing traffic to a standstill.

Rescue operations are currently underway to free an unknown number of individuals who remain trapped beneath the debris. Video footage from the scene depicted cranes diligently dismantling the metal frame of the billboard while rescuers worked tirelessly to save survivors.

As of now, the injured tally stands at 74, with 31 individuals already discharged from the hospital, as confirmed by Nikhil Mudholkar, the assistant commandant of India's disaster relief agency. However, the presence of a nearby petrol pump has complicated the rescue efforts, as the use of gasoline-based cutting equipment is prohibited in such close proximity to the fuel source.

The sudden thunderstorm and strong winds not only caused the tragic billboard collapse but also brought parts of Mumbai to a standstill. Operations at the city's airport, one of India's busiest, were also disrupted. The municipality reported that certain areas experienced a rainfall of up to 3 inches within a span of two hours, exacerbating the city's recurring problem of severe flooding during the monsoon season.

Mumbai's public infrastructure has long been a cause for concern, given its status as a mega-city with a population of 22 million and a high concentration of billionaires in Asia. The incident has raised questions about safety regulations surrounding billboards and their installation, prompting an ongoing investigation into the matter.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability faced by Mumbai residents during thunderstorms and monsoons. With landslides and road collapses claiming numerous lives each year in the surrounding state of Maharashtra, it is crucial for authorities to prioritize measures that ensure the safety of the public.

Efforts are now focused on completing the rescue operation and addressing any potential safety breaches associated with the fallen billboard. The city of Mumbai mourns the loss of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident, while simultaneously grappling with the need for enhanced safety protocols to prevent further catastrophes in the future.