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In a devastating incident during the construction of the third phase of Samruddhi Highway, a crane collapse resulted in the loss of at least 17 lives and left several others injured. The accident occurred at Sarlambe in Shahapur taluka near Thane, sending shockwaves through the community. Rescue operations are underway, but the death toll is expected to rise as the full extent of the tragedy becomes clear.
The construction work on Samruddhi Highway’s third phase turned into a nightmare when a girder machine collapsed at Sarlambe village under the Shahapur tehsil, Thane. The mishap occurred during bridge work, leading to the deaths of 17 laborers, with four to five others sustaining injuries. The darkness of the night added to the challenge of assessing the exact number of casualties.
As per available information, the crane and the slab attached to the girder machine plummeted from a height of a hundred feet, tragically crushing the workers beneath. Rescue teams rushed to the spot to extricate victims from the debris. So far, 15 bodies have been brought to Shahpur Sub District Hospital, while the injured are receiving treatment.
The news of the tragic accident reached Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who expressed deep sorrow and grief. He promptly announced an aid of INR 5 lakh to the families of each deceased worker and directed the immediate treatment of the injured at government expense. The Chief Minister has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
In the wake of the tragedy, Chief Minister Shinde got in touch with Public Works (Public Enterprises) Minister Dadaji Bhuse and dispatched him to the accident site. Additionally, a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to aid in rescue operations. Officials have been instructed to take extra precautions, considering the ongoing rainy season.
Regrettably, this is not the first unfortunate incident on the Samruddhi Highway. Just a few days prior, a passenger bus met with a grave accident on the same route, resulting in the loss of 25 lives after catching fire. The recent accident at Shahapur has further raised concerns about safety measures and the need for stringent precautions during the construction phase.
The collapse of the girder machine on Samruddhi Expressway has brought sorrow and grief to the affected families and the entire region. As rescue operations continue and investigations get underway, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to stringent safety protocols during infrastructure development projects. The authorities must take immediate action to prevent similar tragedies in the future and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens and workers involved in such ventures.