A severe dust storm in Mumbai's Ghatkopar led to a tragic incident where a large billboard collapsed onto a fuel station, causing chaos and significant damage. Reports indicate that around a hundred individuals may be trapped under the debris, with three confirmed fatalities, 35 injured, and 67 rescued so far. The billboard, situated across from the fuel station, collapsed directly onto the refueling area, with the metal frame even penetrating the roofs of multiple cars.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has mobilized teams to the scene to search for survivors. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced an official investigation into the incident.

The unexpected dust storm caught Mumbai off guard, disrupting transportation, toppling trees and structures, and causing widespread power outages across the financial hub. As the storm hit, darkness enveloped the city, prompting residents to share dramatic visuals on social media.

The adverse weather conditions forced Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to temporarily halt flight operations for approximately 66 minutes due to reduced visibility and strong winds. During this time, 15 flights were diverted. The airport, having recently completed pre-monsoon runway maintenance, emphasized its commitment to safety and operational efficiency.

Additionally, disruptions affected local train and metro services, with a billboard damaging overhead wires and strong winds bending equipment poles along certain railway routes. Suburban train services on the main line were suspended.

While the unseasonal rain brought relief from heat, power outages in areas like Thane's Kalwa compounded difficulties for residents. The storm also resulted in uprooted trees and moderate rainfall in satellite towns like Thane, Ambernath, Badlapur, Kalyan, and Ulhasnagar. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a "nowcast warning," predicting thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall for Thane, Palghar, and Mumbai.