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Indore, Oct 30 (IANS) At least two people were killed and several others injured in a tragic accident on Thursday morning in the industrial town of Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, where a crane engaged in the construction of a railway bridge overturned and crushed a moving pickup van.
A police officer said that the incident took place in Sagaur police station area of Pithampur industrial area at around 8.30 am, causing panic among workers and passers-by.
According to a senior police officer, the crane was lifting a heavy cement pillar as part of the ongoing work on the 500-metre long railway over-bridge that has been under construction for almost three years.
As the crane was lifting a heavy pillar, one of the crane’s supports started sinking into the ground, causing it to lose balance and fall off the overbridge.
The crane fell directly on a pickup van going on the service road below.
The collision was catastrophic – the vehicle was completely crushed under the enormous weight of the crane, leaving the occupants with little chance of survival.
However, police officials have not confirmed the death toll but said they are trying to arrange immediate medical facilities for survivors.
Another pickup truck was also hit in the incident.
Rescue teams reached the spot and began efforts to rescue people trapped inside the damaged vehicle. Those who sustained injuries were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Police have cordoned off the area and begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
The sudden collapse of the crane, reportedly due to improper ground support, has called for a thorough review of engineering practices and equipment standards.
Authorities have not issued any formal statement as the investigation has not yet provided clarity.
The Pithampur industrial area, once tagged as the ‘Detroit of Asia’, manufactures mostly auto components.
It also has a special economic zone. A PM Mitra Textile Park is also coming up in the nearby village (95 km), Bhainsola. At present, the focus is on rescue efforts and ensuring the safety of those involved in the project.
–IANS
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