Two Operators Injured After Crane Catches Fire During Unloading at Mumbai Port

Two crane operators were injured after a crane caught fire during cargo unloading operations at Mumbai Port on Sunday evening, according to a police official.

The incident occurred at around 7:30 pm while a 140-ton cargo was being unloaded from the Barbados-flagged vessel 'Vienna'. The operation was being carried out using two cranes owned and operated by a private firm named Barkat.

According to the official, one of the lifting straps slipped due to an imbalance during the unloading process. This caused the entire weight of the 140-ton cargo to suddenly shift onto the second crane.

The sudden shift in balance lifted the second crane off the ground, causing its telescopic boom to strike against the vessel. The force of the impact triggered a fire in the crane.

Firefighters from the Mumbai Port fire brigade rushed to the location upon receiving the alert and brought the flames under control.

The two injured crane operators have been identified as Ranjeet Singh and Nishant Singh, both employees of the firm Barkat. They sustained injuries in the incident and were taken to St George Hospital for medical treatment.

Authorities have initiated an inquiry to determine the exact circumstances and cause of the industrial accident at the port.