Thane Crane Crash Photos and Videos: 15 Workers Killed

According to Thane Disaster Response Force officials, the mishap took place when nine engineers and the workers were launching the girder on the under-construction highway. At least 18 labourers were killed after a crane girder launcher crashed on them on the Samruddhi Expressway near Shahapur in Thane between 11 pm on Monday and the early hours of Tuesday.

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. Samruddhi Mahamarg Bridge Collapse: Under-Construction Bridge Coming Up on Mumbai-Nagpur Super Expressway Crashes in Nashik, No Casualties Reported.

According to Thane Disaster Response Force (TDRF) officials, the mishap took place when nine engineers and the workers were launching the girder on the under-construction highway. TDRF and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams rushed to the spot to carry out rescue operations and retrieved the bodies of 18 workers from the site.

“We received a call about a crane falling on workers but later found that the girder launcher, girder and the whole structure fell on them. How it happened is still under investigation. Rescue operation is going on. “A TDRF officer said that they have recovered 18 bodies so far.” Maharashtra minister Dada Bhuse rushed to the late at night to take stock of the situation, and said, “It is a very unfortunate incident and the reason why it happened is still unknown. The rescue oxperation is going on.”

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What is a girder launcher crane?

As per media reports, all dead workers were operating a large girder launcher crane when the accident happened.

The construction workers use a girder launcher, a big specialized crane, to move large steel beams or girders for building bridges, highways, flyovers, and even tall buildings.

Workers were involved in the construction of the third phase of the Samruddhi Expressway when the accident took place.

Emergency services, including police, NDRF, and fire brigade, quickly deployed at the site after the accident.

Authorities said they feared at least five to six people were trapped under the debris.

PM Modi offers condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences and offered a compensation of INR 200,000 to the families of the victims.

Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) earlier posted on X, “Pained by the tragic mishap in Shahapur, Maharashtra. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

We express our thoughts and prayers for those who are injured. The NDRF and local administration are actively working at the site of the mishap and taking all possible measures to ensure proper assistance to those affected.

The next of kin of each deceased will receive an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF. Additionally, the injured will be given ₹50,000.

About Samruddhi (Mumbai-Nagpur) Expressway

The Samruddhi Mahamarg, also called the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, spans 701 kilometres and serves as a significant highway linking Mumbai and Nagpur.

The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is responsible for its construction. In December of the previous year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the initial phase connecting Nagpur to Shirdi.