Tragic Crane Collapse Claims 17 Lives in Maharashtra’s Shahapur; PM Announces Compensation

New Delhi, August 1, 2023: Late last night, a devastating accident occurred at a construction site in Thane’s Shahapur, Maharashtra, where a crane collapse claimed the lives of seventeen workers.

The mishap took place during the construction of the prestigious Samruddhi Expressway, when a crane fell on a group of laborers, instantly killing them. Three other workers sustained injuries and were swiftly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The workers were operating a girder launching machine, a specialized crane used for moving large steel beams and girders essential in constructing highways, rail bridges, and foundations for towering buildings.

The tragic incident occurred during the early hours of Tuesday near Sarlambe village, while the construction was in progress for the third phase of the Samruddhi Expressway. In response to the crisis, police, fire brigade personnel, and emergency services are diligently conducting rescue operations at the site.

In the wake of this heart-wrenching event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the bereaved families. His office tweeted, “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.”

The Samruddhi Mahamarg, also known as the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway, is a vital 701-kilometer-long highway connecting the two cities. The construction is undertaken by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), with the first phase, linking Nagpur to Shirdi, being inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December last year.

This tragic accident has cast a somber cloud over the construction project, and authorities are committed to providing necessary aid to the victims’ families during this difficult time.