Thane: Sixteen workers were crushed to death last night when a crane in Thane’s Shahapur, Maharashtra collapsed on them at a construction site. The crane fell on a group of workers engaged in the construction of Samriddhi Expressway, killing them instantly. Three injured workers were rushed to the nearby hospital, where they are being treated for their injuries and five others are believed to be trapped inside the collapsed structure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is scheduled to visit Pune today offered condolences to the families of those killed. “Pained by the tragic mishap in Shahpur, Maharashtra. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are injured. NDRF and local administration are working ar the site of the mishap”, said PM Modi.
The workers were operating a girder launching machine which is a specialized crane to move the large steel beams or girders. The accident took place in the early hours of Tuesday near Sarlambe village when the workers were engaged in the construction of the third phase of the Samriddhi Expressway. Police, fire brigade personnel, and other emergency services are currently engaged in rescue operations.