Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jun 14: In a tragic incident near the Public Works Department (PWD) office on Court Back Road, Udupi, a man died and a woman was seriously injured after falling from a crane basket used to inspect a slab leak in a house on June 14.

The crane was being used to lift two individuals in its basket to inspect a leakage on the rooftop slab of a house. However, due to a tilt in the basket, both individuals fell to the ground.

Local social worker Nityananda Olakadu, who rushed to the spot, immediately shifted the injured to Ajjarakadu District Hospital. Doctors declared Francis Furtado (65), who had sustained severe injuries, as brought dead. He is said to be the brother of the house owner.

The other victim, identified as Sharadha (35), a worker from Kalmady, Malpe, sustained serious injuries and her condition is reported to be critical.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the crane operator fled the scene with the crane without attempting to rescue the victims, drawing sharp criticism from the public.