Thane Tragedy: Death toll rises to 20, Maharashtra CM Shinde orders probe
Maharashtra Girder machine collapses: The death toll in the Thane girder machine collapse incident has risen to 20, with rescue teams recovering three more dead bodies on the site.
Earlier, it was reported that at least 17 people died and several were injured after a girder launching machine collapsed near Shahpur in Thane.
As per the information, the machine was being used in the construction of Phase III of the Samruddhi Express Highway.
According to officials, the exact number of people who might still be trapped under the collapsed structure is not clear.
"Seventeen bodies have been recovered so far, while three persons are wounded. Six more people are feared to be trapped inside the collapsed structure," the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) informed in a statement.
#UPDATE | Maharashtra: A total of 17 bodies have been recovered so far. Rescue and search operation underway: NDRF — ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2023
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."
The officials said that two NDRF teams are engaged in a search and rescue operation.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident took place around 11:00 pm on Monday.
"We were working on the other side when the structure collapsed. Around 30 people were working there at the time when the incident took place," an eyewitness said while speaking to media.
"Many of them were trapped under the structure with injuries on their legs, hands and head," he said.
#WATCH | On Girder machine collapse in Thane's Shahapur. NDRF Assistant Commandant Sarang Kurve, says "We got information about the incident at around 1:30 am and our first team started the rescue operation around 5:30 am. Our search and rescue operation is still underway.… pic.twitter.com/6Vt8Uso2e7 — ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2023
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.
“Pained by the tragic mishap in Shahapur, Maharashtra. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. 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 Prime minister said on Twitter.
Pained by the tragic mishap in Shahapur, Maharashtra. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. 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… — PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 1, 2023
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also condoled the loss of lives.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Fadnavis wrote in Hindi (roughly translated), "In Shahapur taluka some labourers died in an accident during the construction of a bridge on Samriddhi highway which is very sad and heart-wrenching. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him. We share the grief of their families. Three workers were injured in this incident. They are undergoing treatment in hospital. I pray to God for their speedy recovery. I have ordered an inquiry into the incident".
शहापूर तालुक्यात समृद्धी महामार्गावर पुलाचे काम सुरू असताना एक दुर्घटना होऊन काही मजुरांचा मृत्यू झाल्याची घटना अतिशय दुःखद आणि मनाला वेदना देणारी आहे. मी त्यांना भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली अर्पण करतो. त्यांच्या कुटुंबियांच्या दुःखात आम्ही सहभागी आहोत.
या घटनेत 3 कामगार जखमी झाले.… — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 1, 2023
- With inputs from agencies
