One more body was recovered from the disaster site on Tuesday morning, bringing the total number of fatalities in the accident involving the collapse of a girder launching machine in Thane, Maharashtra, to 17, according to officials.
The third phase of the Samruddhi Expressway building project at Shahpur in the Thane district resulted in the crane collapsing on a bridge slab, and a search and rescue operation is still on to free more people who are feared trapped under the wreckage. Authorities claim that the accident happened about 1:30 am. Eknath Shinde, the chief minister of Maharashtra, has asked for a probe into the “unfortunate” incident.
Shinde announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of those who were killed.
Speaking to reporters in Pune, Shinde said, “Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia will be given to the next of kin of the deceased. It is an unfortunate incident. A company based in Switzerland was working here. Instructions have been given for its thorough investigation. The NDRF team has reached the spot and has given instructions for rescue work. Our concerned department officials and minister are present at the spot.”
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
“Saddened by the sad accident that occurred in Shahapur, Maharashtra. My sincere condolences go out to the families of those who passed away. We send our condolences and prayers to the injured. The local government and NDRF are working on the accident site, and every effort is being made to ensure that those impacted receive the right support, the prime minister wrote on Twitter.
Devendra Fadnavis, the deputy chief minister, expressed his sorrow over the deaths.