Sixteen workers were crushed to death late last night when a crane collapsed on them at a construction site in Thane's Shahapur in Maharashtra of India.
The crane fell on a group of workers who were engaged in the construction of the Samruddhi Expressway, killing them instantly. Three injured workers were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are being treated for their injuries. Five others are believed to be trapped inside the collapsed structure, the police said, reports NDTV.
The workers were operating a girder launching machine which is a specialised crane that can move large steel beams or girders that are used in the construction of highways, rail bridges and form the foundation for large buildings.
Local police said, the accident took place in the early hours of Tuesday near Sarlambe village in Shahpur when the workers were engaged in the construction of the third phase of Samruddhi Expressway. Police, fire brigade personnel, and other emergency services are currently engaged in rescue operations.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul