Thane: An unfortunate incident that took place in the wee hours of Tuesday claimed the lives of at least 17 workers engaged in work of the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway (Samruddhi Mahamarg). The incident involving the crash of a heavy duty crane on a girder, took place in Shahapur area of Thane, the home district of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
PM's Office Announces Rs 2 L Ex-gratia
Prime Minister's Office shared condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident. Further, an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh was announced for each of the deceased's kin from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Additionally, Rs. 50,000 aid was announced for the injured ones in the latest tweet from the PMO.
"Pained by the tragic mishap in Shahapur, 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 at the site of the mishap and all possible measures are being taken to ensure proper assistance to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," tweeted PMO.
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CM Shinde Announces Rs 5 L Ex-Gratia
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed condolences on the unfortunate incident. He further announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of the deceased and assured all the help needed for the treatment of the injured ones.
"The unfortunate accident of a crane collapse at midnight on Samruddhi Highway at Shahapur Sarlambe is very unfortunate and saddening. So far 17 people have died in this accident. An aid of Rs 5 lakh each has been announced to the families of the deceased workers and instructions have been given to provide proper treatment to the injured immediately at government expense. Today, I am in Pune for the Prime Minister's program and as soon as I heard the news of the accident, I spoke to the district administration and concerned officials and took information about the accident. This accident is very unfortunate and instructions have been given to conduct a thorough investigation," tweeted Eknath Shinde.
"Talking to Minister of Public Works (Public Enterprises) Dadaji Bhuse, he was immediately dispatched to the accident site. The NDRF team has reached the place and instructions have been given to carry out rescue work. As it is rainy season, more precautions have been asked. The accident took place when the third phase of Samruddhi Highway was underway," he further wrote.
Both Deputy CMs of Maharashtra expressed grief and shared their condolences over the Shahapur tragedy. A high level probe in the tragedy has been promised by the DCMs in the incident that claimed 17 lives.
"The death of labourers in an accident that occurred during the third phase of Samruddhi Highway at Sarlambe in Shahapur taluka is very unfortunate and painful. The accident happened when the girder machine and crane fell down while the work of the bridge was going on. Rescue operations are being carried out on war footing. The injured are undergoing treatment and pray for their speedy recovery. I pay heartfelt tribute to those who died. Condolences to their family," tweeted Ajit Pawar.
"In Shahapur taluka some labourers died in an accident during the construction of a bridge on Samruddhi highway which is very sad and heart-wrenching. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him. We share in the grief of their families. 3 workers were injured in this incident. He is undergoing treatment in the hospital. I pray to God for a speedy recovery in his health. It has been ordered to investigate the incident through experts," tweeted Devendra Fadnavis.
Details on the incident
According to the Regional Disaster Management Unit, the incident occurred at around 1 a.m. on Tuesday when the massive gantry crane collapsed on the girder, trapping the workers. The location is between Sargaon and Sarambegain where work is proceeding on the third and final phase of the 701-km-long Samruddhi Mahamarg between Nashik-Mumbai.
A massive rescue effort on a war footing has been launched by NDRF, SDRF and other local agencies. An operation has been mounted by the Thane Police, Fire Brigade and disaster agencies amid apprehension of the death toll increasing.
