Bhubaneswar: One person was killed and several others sustained injuries after a display hoarding collapsed during thunderstorm accompanied by gusty wing in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.
Sources said the incident took place near Aiginia Durga Mandap in Patrapada area in the evening. The hoarding suddenly fell amid gusty winds, trapping people standing under it. Several nearby shops were also damaged due to the impact of the collapse.
After receiving information, police and Fire Service personnel rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. While one person was reportedly declared, the injured were given medical treatment.
The mishap took place shortly after the state government placed five districts on high alert following yellow warning from India Meteorological Department (IMD) with the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) directing the district administrations to remain prepared to handle any eventuality.
According to the IMD’s midday bulletin, thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and gusty surface wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph may occur at isolated places in the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur and Mayurbhanj till Wednesday morning. Light rain or thunderstorm may also occur at one or two places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Khurda, Puri, Malkangiri, Koraput and Rayagada.
