India: Death toll rises to 7 after lift collapses in high-rise in Maharashtra’s Thane

The death toll rose to sevenafter alift collapsed in a building in Thane city of the Indian state of Maharashtra, on Sunday (September 10) evening, said the civil officials.

One of thelabourers who was pulled out alivesuccumbed to injuries, on Monday (Sep 11), reported news agency PTI, citing acivic official.

What happened?

The local police said that they have launchedan investigation intothe incident which took place in Thane’s Balkum area and led to the death of six workers on the spot while two others were said to be seriously injured.

According to officials, the 40-storey recently completed building, Runwal Eirene, was undergoing waterproofing work on the roof.

“The tragic incident transpired when the lift’s rope broke while the workers were descending after completing their work. Eyewitnesses immediately alerted the Balkum fire brigade, and Balkum Fire Brigade Station Officer Omkar Vaiti swiftly arrived at the scene with a team,” said Yasin Tadvi, who heads the disaster management cell of Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC).

The TMC official later said that the lift involved in the incident was a construction one and not a regular one. He added, that after one of the supporting cables of the construction lift snapped, it plunged and landed some three levels underground in the parking area.

The incident occurred around 5:30 pm (local time), said the official in Thane. “It was immediately not clear how the lift cable malfunctioned,” he added.

Former local councillor Sanjay Bhoir also reportedly responded to the incident, rushed to the accident site, assisted in the rescue operation, and pulled out some workers trapped in the elevator.

About the victims

The deceased workers have been identified as Mahendra Choupal (32), Rupesh Kumar Das (21), Harun Sheikh (47), Mithlesh (35), and Karidas (38). However, another labourer was not identified.

One of the injured workers,identified as Sunil Kumar Das (21)succumbed to injuries after he was rushed to the hospital on Sunday nightTadvi, said on Monday.

The TMC official also said it was not yet clear how the lift cable malfunctioned.

Case filed

A case has been registered against the contractor under the Indian Penal Code (IPCsections 304(2) (rash and negligent act), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), senior police inspector Uttam Sonawane from Kapurbawdi police station told PTI.

(With inputs from agencies)

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