Thane, Maharashtra –
In a devastating accident early Tuesday morning, 17 construction workers lost their lives, and three others were injured when a crane collapsed on the Samruddhi Expressway construction site in Thane district. The incident occurred near Sarlambe village under the Shahapur tehsil, around 80 km from Mumbai.
The crane was being utilized for the construction of a bridge as part of the third phase of the ambitious Samruddhi Expressway project, which aims to connect Mumbai and Nagpur over a length of 701 km. The mobile gantry crane, designed for specialized bridge construction and installation of precast box girders, tragically failed during its operation.
The Maharashtra government promptly deployed two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to the site to carry out rescue operations. Despite their best efforts, the unfortunate accident claimed the lives of 17 workers, while three others were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, expressed his grief and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased workers. He emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough inquiry to determine the cause of the incident and prevent such tragedies in the future.
“The deaths of the workers are very sad and heart-wrenching. I pay my heartfelt tribute to them, and we share in the grief of their families,” Fadnavis said, “Three workers were injured in the accident. They are undergoing treatment in a hospital. I pray to God for their speedy recovery.”
As the rescue operation continued, authorities raised concerns that more workers might be trapped under the debris. The rescue teams from the police, fire brigade, and NDRF worked tirelessly to locate any survivors and provide immediate medical attention to those in need.
The Samruddhi Mahamarg, named Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, is a significant infrastructure project that aims to boost connectivity between Mumbai and Nagpur. The second phase of the project was inaugurated in May earlier this year, completing a 600 km stretch from Nagpur to Bharvir village in Igatpuri taluka. The third phase is expected to cover the remaining 100 km stretch up to Vadpe in Thane, with an estimated completion date by the end of this year or by March next year.
This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks and challenges associated with large-scale infrastructure projects. It highlights the need for stringent safety protocols and measures to safeguard the lives of workers involved in such endeavors.
As the investigation into the crane collapse begins, the authorities must ensure that responsible parties are held accountable for any lapses in safety standards. The entire nation mourns the loss of these brave workers and stands in solidarity with their families during this difficult time.
