17 dead in a crane accident at expressway construction site in Maharashtra, PM announces ex-gratia

A beam-lowering machine, which was being used in Thane for the construction of Phase III of the Samruddhi Express Highway, crashed, killing at least 17 people and injuring three others. The accident happened early Tuesday morning.

The accident happened just after midnight on Tuesday near Sarlambe village in Shahapur tehsil, about 80 km from Mumbai, officials said. 

At the time of the disaster, work was underway to build a bridge near Sarlambe village in Thane. In addition to the deceased, many other people are trapped under the rubble. A serious accident occurred due to the fall of a crane and a plate connecting a beam machine from a height of 100 feet. The injured and the remains of the dead were taken to a nearby hospital.

Maharashtra Minister Ravindra Chavhan said, “17 people died, including six engineers, and three people were hospitalized. An investigation will be launched soon and we will try to find out why this accident happened."

Police officers, NDRF personnel, and firefighters are involved in rescue and relief work. It is feared that the death toll may rise. It is feared that the death toll may rise. Precast box girders are installed by machines in high-speed rail and highway bridge construction projects. Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, often known as Samruddhi Mahamarg, is a 701 km long highway that connects Mumbai and Nagpur.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the deaths due to an unfortunate accident in Shahapur, Maharashtra. He also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for each next of kin of the deceased person and a payment of Rs 50,000 for the injured.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister's Office said, “Pained by the tragic accident in Shahapur, Maharashtra. Sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are injured. The NDRF and the local administration are working at the site of the accident and all possible measures are being taken to ensure proper relief to the affected.”