A tragic incident occurred at a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) construction site near Panhera Khurd in Faridabad, where strong winds and sudden rain caused two 100-tonne double girder gantry cranes to lose control, roll on their tracks, and collapse one after the other. One crane narrowly missed an iron container where workers had taken shelter, but the second slammed onto it, crushing it and killing three workers instantly, including a civil engineer.
Sequence of Events
According to a preliminary police assessment, the gusts may have compromised the cranes' interlocking system, making them impossible to restrain mechanically. The incident took place at the casting yard of an 11-kilometer elevated road project connecting Faridabad with Greater Noida and eventually the Noida International Airport in Jewar. NHAI had awarded the contract to APCO Infratech.
Company officials present at the site reported that work was underway when strong winds and rain forced a halt. Many laborers were resting or eating lunch, while some had moved into the iron container cabin for shelter. Two remote-operated gantry cranes, used for lifting and transporting bridge girders, were parked on ground-level iron tracks adjacent to each other. When not in use, they are designed to remain fixed through a braking system and mechanical locks.
Brake Failure and Collapse
Police said the failure began when winds intensified. The braking system of one crane allegedly gave way, causing it to move along its tracks. After traveling a few meters, it toppled close to the container but fell behind it, not onto it. However, seconds later, before the four men inside the container could escape, the other crane's brakes also failed. It rolled along the tracks and collapsed directly onto the container cabin, trapping all four inside. The impact crushed the shelter, killing three men instantly and leaving one injured. Approximately 50 laborers were present at the site at the time.
An official explained what might have gone wrong: "This was the precasting and molding unit. These cranes are huge and used to move girders or load them on trailers. The wind flow was so high that it broke the automatic braking or interlocking system. These locks mechanically clamp the tracks, like systems used to secure trains." The collapse also damaged the tracks.
Company Response and Rescue Efforts
Bhupinder Pathak, a senior executive at APCO, stated: "There is no fault of the company. Work has been going on with full safety measures for a long time, but the poor weather led to this unfortunate accident."
Rescue efforts lasted approximately 11 hours, from around 3 PM to 2 AM, involving Faridabad police and emergency teams. A senior police officer noted that the container fell silent after the crane crashed onto it. "Everyone thought it was the end because there was no sound. Later, a feeble voice was heard. Cops from Chhainsa police station arranged for a mechanical cutter and, with rescue teams and laborers, cut through and rescued Manik after four hours."
Legal and Administrative Actions
Police have initiated inquest proceedings, but no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered yet. Omprakash, brother of victim Manish (30), told police his brother died in an accident caused by bad weather and "no one else was at fault." Manish, a welder at the site, declined to initiate legal action. Gopal Dass, Station House Officer (SHO) of Chhainsa police station, said "appropriate legal action will be taken" after the investigation.
Faridabad Deputy Commissioner Ayush Sinha said NHAI has formed a two-member committee to examine the incident and is processing ex gratia compensation in line with policy. The highways authority is also covering the treatment costs of the injured worker at Sarvodaya Hospital. "The first responder is always crucial. SDRF, NDRF, police, and ambulances were called immediately. All four were rescued, but unfortunately three died. Our officers, including the SDM, and NHAI officials have met the families. After the NHAI committee submits its findings, the exact cause will be ascertained."
