Crane collapses during construction work in Bhubaneswar, 1 labourer injured

It was a close shave for several persons after a crane collapsed during construction work of a building at OMC colony area at Unit 8 in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. As per initial reports, one labourer has sustained injuries in the incident. Three towers with 10 storey building of OMC were being constructed when the crane collapsed at around 10 am today.

Sources said iron rods were being lifted when the crane collapsed. The centering work of the tower was complete and iron rods were being lifted with the help of a crane. The roof-casting work was going on when the incident occurred today.

It is alleged that the safety measures were not being adopted at the construction site as it was found that several labourers were engaged in construction work without wearing proper safety gears including helmet.

After the incident, attempts were allegedly made by the senior officials to suppress the matter by claiming that nobody was hurt in the incident. Senior manager said that the crane was being repaired when the incident occurred.

“The repair work was going on. The work was stopped and only the damaged articles were being removed. Nobody was present at the spot when the incident occurred.”

The official said, "We have cordoned off the area and the agency involved has been asked to stop work. The mishap occurred due to some mechanical issue in the crane." “We have already issued a letter and a committee has been formed," the official added.