Maharashtra: 2 More Die In Mumbai Tree-Fall Incidents
On Sunday, a 63-year-old man, Yunus Kundawala, was killed after a tree collapsed on him: Reports
MUMBAI: Tree falling incidents due to heavy rainfall have continued to wreak havoc in Mumbai this monsoon with two more deaths reported due to such cases. There have been three fatalities in less than a week in the city so far due to tree falling since the arrival of rains.
On Sunday, a 63-year-old man, Yunus Kundawala, was killed after a tree collapsed on him. The incident took place at about 12:40 pm near the Hindi BMC School in the Naupada area of Kurla West.
He was rescued from beneath the fallen tree and taken to the hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. CCTV footage of the incident showed the tree crashing onto the victim. The municipal teams later removed the tree and cleared the area.
In a separate incident, an 18-year-old boy died after a tree branch fell on him while he was riding a motorcycle in the Aarey Colony. While the incident took place on Saturday afternoon, it was reported to the authorities on Sunday, a civic official said.
The victim, Kumar Hasan Raza Jahangir Alam Syed, was travelling on a motorcycle with his friends when a tree branch snapped and fell on his head. The youth lost consciousness and was immediately rushed to hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.
In the first tree-fall casualty, 11-year-old Vihaan Srivastava was killed and four other children were injured when a tree collapsed on their bus while on their way home on June 30.
This monsoon, Mumbai has witnessed several tree-fall incidents over the past few days, with large branches and trees falling onto roads and vehicles. It has raised concerns about overall health of trees in the city as experts have pointed out tha0t unplanned construction and issues like concrete slabs blocking root growth as contributing factors that gradually weaken trees over time even when they appear structurally sound on surface.
Amidst growing tree-fall incidents, Mayor Ritu Tawde has appealed to Mumbaikars not to venture out unless necessary and to stay away from trees.
Taking to X, Tawde said, “Currently, Mumbai is experiencing heavy downpours and a ‘Red Alert.’ Incidents of trees and branches falling due to strong winds are occurring. In such a situation, ensuring you and your family remain safe is of utmost importance.”
“Please do not venture out unnecessarily, stay away from trees, park vehicles in safe places and do not believe rumors,” she urged.
The BMC also took to X to advise caution, saying, “Trees may fall due to strong winds. Please do not stand under trees during such times and do not park vehicles.”
In another rain-related fatality, a 55-year-old man died in the Sakinaka area of Mumbai after falling into an open manhole during heavy rain on July 2. Taking serious note of it, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has suspended four officials.
