01.08.2023

Fatal launching crane collapse

At least 17 people have died after a launching crane collapsed while placing a bridge section on the Samruddhi Expressway rail project near the village of Khutadi Sarlambe - around 50 miles east of Mumbai.
We understand that the incident occurred early today. Last we hear the emergency services were still searching through the rubble and had not ruled out further casualties.

A statement from the office of prime minster Narendra Modi said: “My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are injured.”
The government also announced relief assistance of 200,000 rupees (£1,900) for the families of the dead and 50,000 rupees (£480) for the injured.

The video footage below shows the scene better than any photos we have received so far.


Vertikal Comment

It seems to us that these launching cranes experience more than their share of fatal incidents. But that might be down to the fact that it is not a market – or crane type - that we cover well, and that for the most part they are used safely and efficiently.

The problem is that when they do fail they can and often do cause massive disruption and multiple fatalities. A quick trawl through Vertikal.net with the subject ‘Launching crane’ highlighted half a dozen reports mostly in India, but also China, Malaysia and Ohio in the USA. But we would not always hear of incidents with this type of crane.

Hopefully important lessons will be learnt from this incident, as it is probably one of the worst in terms of the number of fatalities.

Fatal launch crane collapse
Another fatal construction incident in Mumbai
Crane goes down in China
Crane drops load at another Indian metro site.
Launching crane collapses in Delhi
Mystery surrounds fatal Ohio crane collapse