Pune (Maharashtra), Nov 21 (IANS): At least nine workers were killed when a crane crashed on a tunnel on the Neera-Bhima rivers linking project here on Monday evening.

According to Pune Rural Police Control, the tragedy occurred around 6 p.m. when the workers were emerging from the tunnel at the end of the day's shift.

Suddenly, the crane parked nearby crashed onto the tunnel, burying at least nine workers under the debris.

Details on the injured are not yet known.

Water Resources Minister of State Vijay Shivtare and other senior police and civil officials as well as rescue teams rushed to the remote site but rescue operation was hampered due to poor light.

Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan announced compensation of Rs 200,000 to each of the bereaved families.

According to locals, on an average, around 300 persons are working on this central government project wherein the 150-metre tunnel is being dug to link the two rivers.