Mumbai, Aug 21: Ten people, including a three-month-old baby and a 10-year-old boy, were injured after a hydraulic crane toppled onto nearby houses in Kurla East early Friday morning during preparations for demolition work.
The incident occurred around 3 am near Indira Nagar, close to the site of an upcoming 17-storey building. According to civic officials, the crane was being used to lift a Poclain machine brought to the site.
During the operation, part of the crane reportedly fell onto a high-tension railway overhead wire, nearby houses in Qureshi Nagar, a road in Samrat Ashok Nagar and the compound wall of a MHADA building. Three to four vehicles parked inside the compound were also damaged.
The injured included Jagrulla Nabi Mohd Khan, Ahemed Niyaz Ahemed, Atikur Reman, Hakum Sheikh, Numan Khan, Rehman Khan, Suraj Gaur, Akbar, Raju Gaud and Aarti Gaud.
Eight injured persons were admitted to Sion Hospital, while two others were taken to Bhabha Hospital in Kurla. Hospital authorities said all the injured were in stable condition.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) clarified that the demolition-related work was being carried out by the authority and was not connected with MHADA, contrary to earlier reports.
In a statement, MMRDA said preparations for demolition work were underway at Building No. 1, Bhandari Metallurgy, Kurla. The crane had been brought to the location for the work when it tilted and fell towards an adjoining structure.
According to the agency, the ground at the site was soft and appears to have affected the stability of the crane.
MMRDA said some people sustained minor injuries and assured that necessary medical assistance and support were being provided. Machinery and manpower were also mobilised to remove the fallen crane on priority.
The accident also disrupted goods movement on the single-line Kurla–Trombay route of Central Railway, after part of the crane came into contact with the railway overhead wires.
Officials said the site has been secured and necessary precautionary measures are being taken.
