Hans News Service Tirupati

Threeworkers died when a heavy crane suddenly tilted and plunged into a deep pit at a construction site in Tirupati on Tuesday. Three others were injured in the accident that occurred at a private hotel construction site on DBR Road.

The three victims were trapped beneath the crane after it fell into the pit and died at the spot. The deceased were identified as Rama Rao (45), a migrant worker from Odisha, site engineer Sandeep Kumar (35) of Srikakulam district and Gangayya (40), a watchman from Tirupati.

The injured were identified as crane operators Sheikh Farahan and Naushan, both from Bihar, and labourer Muragayya of R Mallavaram in Yerpedu mandal. They were shifted to SVR Ruia Government General Hospital for treatment after locals alerted the police about the accident.

Police personnel, rescue teams and officials rushed to the site and began efforts to remove the crane from the pit. Police have taken up an inquiry to ascertain how the crane lost balance and whether any safety lapses were involved in the incident.

The accident also led to questions over the alleged use of the premises of the adjoining Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Municipal Corporation Government School for private construction activity.

YSRCP Tirupati unit leaders alleged that private construction workers and a heavy crane had been allowed inside the school premises in connection with the hotel project. They questioned how such activity was permitted when classes were in progress.

The leaders also sought clarification over the alleged cutting of an old tree on the school premises and excavation of a deep pit close to the school. They questioned who had authorised the work and whether the required permissions had been obtained from the Tirupati Municipal Corporation.

Claiming that nearly 1,000 children were present in the school, the YSRCP leaders raised concerns over the safety arrangements at the site. They demanded a detailed inquiry into the permissions granted for the construction activity, compliance with safety regulations and the responsibility of those involved. Police are continuing their investigation, while officials are expected to examine the construction site and relevant permissions to determine the circumstances leading to the accident.