Mumbai: A fully grown Gulmohar tree from a private residential compound collapsed on a moving two-wheeler on the road in Sewri on Wednesday night, in which one rider was killed and another injured. The incident has taken death toll due to tree falls to two since onset of monsoon on Monday.
"The incident took place around 8.30 pm on Wednesday, when a large Gulmohar tree located inside Angle Co-operative Housing Society on R A K Marg near Kidwai Police station fell on the road outside. Three cars were damaged but the tree fell on a moving two-wheeler. In the incident, two numbers were injured and taken to KEM hospital, where one was declared dead," said the statement released by BMC.
The deceased is identified Ramzan Nishad (27) and Balkrishna Kurai (33) is undergoing treatment in KEM hospital.
Gulmohar tree collapses on two-wheeler in Sewri, killing one and injuring another | Photo Credits: Vijay Gohil
On Wednesday, two pedestrians were also injured when a tree branch fell at CST Road, Thakkar Bappa colony in Chembur. Both were taken to Rajawadi hospital and are stable. The incident has taken total number of injuries due to tree collapses to four. One person was injured on Monday near St Xavier's college, Fort.
On Monday, a 23-year old man lost his life in Vikhroli when a roadside tree collapsed on him. The residents alleged improper tree trimming by the BMC.
However, in the case of Angle CHS, BMC's Garden department had given permission to prune dangerous branches of total of seven trees inside the society compound. "However, the society did not trim the trees, cut dangerous branches," said an official from the garden department.
A letter by BMC garden department to society secretary dated May 10, 2025 says that following the permission sought by the society on April 16, the department has granted permission to trim branches of two Gulmohar trees and one each of Badam tree, Jamun tree, Mango tree, Peepal tree and Coconut tree.
The remarks mentioned, "The branches of the trees in the premises have grown and are leaned. Some branches are leaning against the building. Since there is a possibility of tree branches falling due to wind during the rain, it is necessary to prune the branches of the mentioned trees."
Meanwhile, the BMC is yet to complete its own pre-monsoon tree pruning target. As per BMC's garden department report, as of May 23, out of total 1,10,771 road side trees to be trimmed, only 81,214 were pruned.
Mumbai has total 1,86,246 roadside trees across all wards, which falls under BMC jurisdiction. The garden department says that it will complete it's remaining pre-monsoon tree trimming by June 1.
Other disaster incidents on May 28
A part of the gallery of the fourth floor of a 5-storey building collapsed at Badlu Rangari Street, Ashrafi Manzil, Byculla West. Two women were injured in the incident and taken to Nair hospital. Khushma Khatul (30) is stable, while Nazia Khan (35) is in critical condition and admitted to intensive care unit.
Total eight incidents of houses/wall collapse were reported on Wednesday.
Total 30 incidents of tree collapse were reported of which, 6 were in the city, 7 in the eastern suburbs and 17 were in the western suburbs.
Total 15 incidents of short circuit were reported.
