Mumbai hoarding collapse: Kartik Aaryan’s relatives among 16 dead

On Monday evening, tragedy struck Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area as a massive hoarding, measuring 120×120 feet, collapsed onto a petrol pump amidst gusty winds and unseasonal rains, claiming the lives of nearly 16 individuals. Among the deceased were reportedly relatives of Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan.

According to a report, Kartik Aaryan’s uncle, Manoj Chansoria, and his wife Anita had stopped at a Mumbai petrol pump on May 13, 2024. The couple, en route from Mumbai to Jabalpur via Indore, fell victim to the tragic incident when strong winds caused a 250-ton hoarding to crash onto their red SUV at the petrol bunk. Their bodies were recovered after 56 hours of intense rescue efforts, although the exact time and date of the accident remain undisclosed.

Reportedly, Manoj and Anita had been in Mumbai to finalize paperwork for their visa to visit their son Yash, residing in the United States. Concern arose when Yash lost contact with his parents on Monday evening, prompting him to seek assistance from his father’s colleagues. “Their son had been trying to contact them since 5 pm on May 13. Unable to reach Manoj, and with Anita not answering her phone, he contacted his father’s colleagues for help,” the report stated. With the aid of the Mumbai police, their last known location was traced to Ghatkopar, near the Eastern Express Highway. After hours of search efforts, their bodies were discovered beneath the collapsed hoarding. Yash promptly flew from the US upon receiving the news. 

The final rites were conducted on May 16 at Sahar, with Kartik Aaryan also attending the funeral. Manoj Chansoria, a retired general manager from the Airports Authority of India, was a relative of Kartik Aaryan. The couple hailed from Jabalpur.

Amidst this personal tragedy, Kartik Aaryan continues his professional commitments, gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated film, “Chandu Champion,” scheduled to hit theaters on June 14.