At least 15 people died and 3 were injured after the girder launcher machine, used in the construction of Phase III of the Samruddhi Express Highway, collapsed in Thane. The accident happened in the wee hours of Tuesday.
A bridge construction was underway near Sarlambe village in Thane, when the accident happened. Apart from those dead, several others are feared trapped beneath the debris.
The crane and slab connecting the girder machine fell from a height of 100 feet, resulting in a major accident. The dead bodies were taken to a local hospital, along with those injured.
The machine is used to install precast box girders in highway and high-speed rail bridge construction projects.
Police personnel and fire officials are engaged in rescue and relief work. It is feared that the death toll may rise.
