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A devastating accident occurred during the construction of the third phase of the Samruddhi Expressway in Maharashtra's Thane district, resulting in the tragic death of at least 17 workers and injuring three others. The incident involved the collapse of a special-purpose mobile gantry crane used in bridge construction and the installation of precast box girders. An inquiry has been ordered into the accident, as rescue operations are underway to locate and save those potentially trapped under the debris.

Crane Collapse Claims Lives:

At approximately 12 am near Sarlambe village in Shahapur tehsil, a crane collapse on a bridge slab led to the loss of at least 17 workers' lives during the construction of the Samruddhi Expressway. The incident has left families and communities devastated as rescue teams work tirelessly to locate survivors and recover the victims.

Inquiry Ordered into Shahapur Accident:

Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, expressed his condolences for the deceased workers and their families. An official inquiry has been initiated to understand the causes behind the tragic accident and assess any potential negligence or safety lapses during the construction process.

Emergency Response and Rescue Operations:

Following the collapse, immediate measures were taken to address the situation. Teams from the police, fire brigade, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed to carry out rescue operations. The injured workers were quickly rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while authorities continue to search for any remaining survivors or trapped individuals.

Possibility of More People Trapped:

Officials have expressed concern about the possibility of additional workers being trapped under the debris. As the rescue operation continues, there are fears that at least six more individuals may be buried beneath the collapsed structure. The focus remains on locating and providing aid to anyone who may still be trapped.

Samruddhi Mahamarg - A Project of Significance:

The Samruddhi Expressway, officially known as the Samruddhi Mahamarg, holds immense importance as a 701-km-long highway connecting Mumbai and Nagpur. Named after the revered Hindu leader, Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray, the expressway is aimed at enhancing transportation and connectivity, but the recent accident serves as a tragic reminder of the need for stringent safety measures and precautions during construction projects of such magnitude.