Hoarding Collapse in Bhubaneswar Claims Life, Injures Multiple People During Windy Conditions
A tragic incident unfolded in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday when a large hoarding collapsed during a spell of gusty winds, resulting in the death of one man and injuries to several others. This event occurs less than two years after a similar billboard collapse in Mumbai during a dust storm in May 2024, which claimed 17 lives and injured dozens, highlighting ongoing safety concerns across India.
Details of the Incident and Victim Identification
The deceased has been identified as Sachidanand Pradhan, a 38-year-old resident of Dumduma. Witnesses reported that Pradhan and others sought shelter near a shop under the hoarding when strong winds swept through the Aiginia area. The structure collapsed within seconds, trapping him beneath the debris.
Upon receiving information, police and fire service personnel rushed to the scene and launched a rescue operation. Bharatpur police later recovered the body and sent it to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for an autopsy. Inspector in-charge of Bharatpur police station, Rajendra Narayan Patnaik, stated, "A case of unnatural death was registered. An investigation is underway."
Structural and Meteorological Factors
While the precise structural category of the hoarding has yet to be certified by civic authorities, locals described it as a large display billboard mounted on a metal frame near the Aiginia Durga Mandap in the Patrapada-Aiginia stretch. This area is known for having several display hoardings along the roadside.
Evening wind observations and modelled nowcasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated sustained winds in the 20-25 kmph range, with peak gusts around 30-35 kmph between 4 pm and 6 pm. These conditions are consistent with a brief nor’wester that also affected the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
Historical Context and Safety Measures
In Odisha, the Mumbai accident prompted action, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) beginning to remove large hoardings along NH-16 between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack in mid-2024. This move was cited for commuter safety and distraction risks.
Tuesday’s incident is likely to reignite debates on whether similar structural audits are needed for city roads by local bodies. Civic body officials mentioned that hoardings are being digitally mapped for maintenance purposes.
Expert Insights on Structural Safety
Urban planner Piyush Ranjan Rout emphasized the importance of compliance with safety standards, stating, "Even a short, sharp squall can overload an ageing billboard if its base plate, anchor bolts or welds are damaged, or if the foundation is not designed for local wind loads. Hoardings must comply with the wind criteria, have soil bearing checks for the exact site, and undergo annual structural audits."
This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and regular inspections to prevent such tragedies in the future, as communities grapple with the balance between urban advertising and public safety.
