A large advertising billboard for Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf collapsed near Chenab Toll Plaza on June 4 during strong winds, striking passing vehicles and causing damage to three cars. No injuries were reported, but the incident raised immediate safety concerns over roadside advertising on national corridors.
The district administration said it responded promptly after receiving reports and directed the company responsible to provide full compensation to the affected owners. Under supervision of local officials, compensation cheques were issued to the vehicle owners identified as Umar Butt of Gujrat, Khawar Rahat of Sialkot and Farooq Haider of Lala Musa.
An inquiry found that while the building plan for the CBTL outlet had been approved, the advertising structure itself had been installed within National Highway Authority jurisdiction without the required no-objection certificate. Investigators concluded the illegal billboard violated rules governing outdoor advertisements along the national highway, a factor that contributed to the company being held accountable.
Following the findings, District Council Gujrat imposed a penalty on the company under the Punjab Local Government Act 2025 and ordered removal of another unlawful billboard of the same brand. Authorities warned that action will continue against any illegal billboard or advertising structure that poses a risk to motorists and public safety.
Officials confirmed there were no casualties and that the damaged vehicle owners have received compensation. The administration urged all businesses to ensure compliance with regulatory approvals and obtain mandatory permissions before installing outdoor advertising near national roads.
