At least three workers who were resting inside a makeshift shelter of a shipping container were killed and another seriously injured after a gantry crane collapsed on it near Panhera Khurd in Faridabad on Thursday, police said.
Police said one worker was rescued after cutting through the trunk of the crushed container while fears remain that a few other workers are trapped.
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Officials said the crane was being used to lift concrete blocks and spans for the construction of a flyover which is part of a new connectivity route from South Delhi, Gurugram and Faridabad to Jewar International Airport. The construction work was carried out by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Investigators said the accident occurred between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Police received information by 3 p.m., and rescue workers were transported to the scene.
Officials said heavy rain fell in the area, after which the ground became muddy. Crane operation was resumed after the rain stopped. However, he lost his balance and collapsed.
An officer said: “We were able to hear the screams of only one worker, who was rescued soon after. There was no other noise or movement coming from the box. The chances of survival of those trapped are very low.”
The works have not been identified by authorities.
Faridabad police public relations officer Yashpal Yadav said it was unclear how many workers were trapped inside. He added: “According to initial reports, at least five to six workers were resting inside the box during the accident. Rescue workers were able to recover three bodies from the accident site as of 10pm.” “Things will not become clear until the multi-ton crane is lifted and the box is opened.”
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An NHAI official, requesting anonymity, said the cause of the collapse was being investigated
