THANE: 17 people were killed when a crane brought to the construction of express highway in Thane’s Shahapur in Maharashtra, collapsed on top of them. Three sustained injuries in the accident. The reports that came in said the accident happened last night.

The crane fell on the workers engaged in the construction of the Samruddhi Expressway, killing them on the spot. The injured were admitted to a nearby hospital.

The crane used to install the girder collapsed. Officials informed that the rescue operation is in progress. Police, fire brigade personnel, and other emergency services are presently engaged in the rescue operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the victims.