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Two die in crane crash in Sharjah

SHARJAH — Two Indians were killed when a crane collapsed at a construction site in Sharjah yesterday. The accident took place around 8.00am near the Millennium Hotel. The crane’s rope and wire had apparently snapped, police sources said.

The deceased were identified as Nagaraju, 32, who was operating the crane, and R.K., 30, on whom the crane fell. Nagaraju was employed by Esquire General Contracting Company.

The crane was transferring building materials from the ground to the 27^th floor.

The accident also caused damage to neighbouring buildings.

Police investigations were in progress. According to Lieutenant Ahmed Rashid, Deputy Officer at Al Buhairah Police Station, the accident apparently occurred due to excessive loading.

In another case in Sharjah yesterday, a crane collapsed near the Sharjah Municipality roundabout causing traffic jam for at least three hours in all directions of Sharjah road. The crane, which was being transported to a construction site in Al Buteena, fell off the truck. However, no casualty or loss of property was reported.

Civil Defence and Sharjah Police personnel struggled until 7.00pm to remove the crane from the accident site and restore smooth flow of traffic. Sharjah Police refused to comment on the accident.

Regarding the morning incident, a Civil Defence source said general safety measures should be taken by the workers. The source explained: “The workers should be wearing helmets for their personal safety, gloves and overalls. Proper measures are also related to the kind of material the workers are using in his work. He should be handling the substances used construction works carefully and make sure they are secured from falling on pedestrians below.”

Commenting on the investigation process, a Civil Defence source said: “The company will be investigated because the accident had occurred due to a malfunction in the crane, and the workers were not responsible for what had happened.”

An official from the Buildings Section in Sharjah Municipality said the municipality monitors the implementation of various occupational safety norms and will fine companies that are found violating safety regulations.

However, a representative of Esquire General Contracting Company said the crane had been inspected before its usage and was in perfect condition.

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