On the evening of May 20, 2025, Pune experienced intense rainfall, typical of the early monsoon showers. Amidst the downpour, a massive hoarding installed along a busy road near Wagholi gave way, crashing down onto a row of parked motorcycles and scooters. Eyewitnesses reported a loud crash, followed by chaos as bystanders rushed to help.
Multiple bikes were crushed or severely damaged under the weight of the fallen structure.Fortunately, no casualties or serious injuries were reported, as most people had taken shelter from the rain at the time of the collapse.Local shopkeepers and residents quickly alerted emergency services, who arrived to clear the debris and secure the area.
Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials, along with the local police and fire brigade, responded promptly to the scene. The area was cordoned off to prevent further accidents, and a crane was deployed to remove the mangled hoarding.
Authorities documented the extent of damage to vehicles and property.An inquiry has been initiated to determine whether the hoarding was structurally sound and if it had all necessary permits.Discussions are underway regarding compensation for bike owners whose vehicles were damaged in the incident.
Many hoardings are not regularly inspected for structural integrity. There have been repeated calls for stricter enforcement of regulations governing the installation and maintenance of advertising boards. In some cases, hoardings are erected without proper permissions or exceed the prescribed size and weight limits.
Local residents and civic activists have voiced their frustration, demanding accountability from both the advertising agencies and municipal authorities. Social media platforms saw a flurry of posts and images from the scene, with citizens calling for:
Regular safety audits of all hoardings, especially before and during the monsoon.
Immediate removal of illegal or unsafe structures.
Transparent reporting on the status of outdoor advertising permits.
The PMC has assured the public that a city-wide review of hoardings will be conducted, with a focus on high-traffic and vulnerable areas like Wagholi. Officials have pledged to:
Inspect all existing hoardings for compliance and structural safety.
Remove unauthorized or dangerous structures.
Impose penalties on agencies found violating safety norms.