Huge banner drops onto moving biker in Thane; viral video raises safety concerns | WATCH

Thane: A biker had a miraculous escape after a huge banner suddenly came crashing down from a pedestrian foot overbridge onto them while he was riding along the busy Eastern Express Highway in Maharashtra's Thane. The dramatic incident, captured on video, has gone viral online, sparking renewed questions about the safety of oversized banners and hoardings installed over public roads.

The incident occurred near Teen Haath Naka, one of the busiest stretches of the Eastern Express Highway. The viral footage shows traffic moving normally beneath the foot overbridge when the large flex banner unexpectedly detaches and falls onto the roadway. Within seconds, it lands directly on a passing motorcycle, momentarily covering the riders, obscuring their view.

Despite the sudden impact, the biker managed to apply the brakes in time and bring his motorcycle under control without colliding with nearby vehicles. He then moved to the roadside, removed the banner from himself and the motorcycle, and continued his journey. No serious injuries have been reported.

The video has drawn widespread attention on social media, with many users expressing concern over the dangers posed by oversized banners fixed on public infrastructure. Several users questioned whether proper permissions had been obtained for the installation and called for stricter monitoring to prevent similar incidents.

Officials have not yet issued a detailed statement on the incident, and it remains unclear whether an inquiry has been launched or action initiated against those responsible for putting up the banner.

The episode has once again brought the spotlight on unauthorised banners and hoardings, which have frequently been criticised for creating safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians, particularly during periods of strong winds or heavy rain.