Massive Crane Crashes at Hindustan Shipyard, 10 Dead

A heavy-duty crane crashed at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd located in India’s Visakhapatnam city on Saturday afternoon, killing ten people.

Several other people were injured in the incident. Rescue and relief operations have been launched as few people are still suspected to trapped under the debris, Indian media reported.

The accident happened when the cable of the crane reportedly got snapped during loading operations at the Shipyard.

In 2010, HSL was transferred from the Ministry of Shipping to the Ministry of Defense. The yard played a critical role in the development of nuclear-powered, Arihant class submarine. The 46.2 hectares is equipped with the plasma cutting machines, steel processing and welding facilities, material handling equipment, cranes, logistics and storage facilities. It also has testing and measuring facilities.

The Shipyard also conducts major overhauls of Indian Navy submarines, and is being equipped to construct nuclear-powered submarines. However, the shipyard has a history of protracted refits. The submarines Vela, Vagli, and Sindhukirti each spent almost 10 years for a single refit at HSL.