10 injured as crane collapses onto railway wires, structures in Mumbai’s Kurla

During the operation, part of the crane fell, damaging overhead railway wires and nearby structures in Qureshi Nagar, as well as the road in Samrat Ashok Nagar. The crane also damaged the compound wall of a Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) building and three four-wheelers parked inside its compound.

Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) said the demolition work was being carried out at Building No 1, Bhandari Metallurgy, Kurla.

“A crane had been brought to the site for the work; however, crane operations had not commenced. While the crane was being positioned at the site, it tilted and fell towards an adjoining structure. The ground at the location was soft, which appears to have affected the stability of the crane,” it said in a statement.

“MMRDA immediately mobilised the required machinery and manpower, and removal of the fallen crane is being undertaken on priority. The site has been secured and all necessary precautionary measures are being taken,” it added.

The Authority said it is providing all necessary medical care and support to the injured.

According to BMC, eight injured people were taken to Sion Hospital, and two were shifted to Kurla Bhabha Hospital. Senior Police Inspector Kulkarni said that out of the 10, two people are in hospital and the others have been discharged.

Dr Navin, Assistant Medical Officer, Sion Hospital, said a three-month-old boy and a 10-year-old boy were among those being treated. The other injured are aged between 19 and 63 years and are in stable condition, he added.

Raju Gaud, 35, and Aarti Gaud, 30, admitted to Kurla Bhabha Hospital are also stable.

The Chunnabhatti police said they will register a First Information Report (FIR) in this matter. “We will initiate the process of FIR registration as it is due to the accused’s negligence that the incident occurred,” Kulkarni said.