Chennai: In a tragic incident, three assistant directors lost their lives while on the sets of a film, when a crane broke and crashed to the ground. The three were sitting on the crane.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at around 9.30 PM.
The deceased are identified as assistant director Krishna, art assistant Chandran and production assistant Madhu, and were working on “Indian 2”, a Kamal Haasan film, at EVP Film City near Chennai. Krishna is the son-in-law of popular cartoonist Madhan.
NDTV reports that the three were inside a box-like structure atop the crane when it broke apart and fell. A police officer told the media house that the three appeared to have been working on the lighting for the shoot.
Police have also said that they are not yet sure if Director Shankar was present at the scene when the incident occurred. However, witnesses, according to News18, say that Shankar had a narrow escape.
A source told NDTV that actor-politician Kamal Haasan was at another part of the same complex at the time of the accident.
According to Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, the three were brought dead to the hospital while 12 others were brought injured.
Reacting to the horrific accident, Haasan tweeted in Malayalam, “I have faced and overcome many accidents, but today’s is the most horrific one. I lost three colleagues. The distress of their family members will be many times greater than my own pain. I share their grief as one of them. My deepest condolences to them.”
“I have spoken to the doctors there. The injured have been provided first aid and steps to provide appropriate treatment are being taken. Let the dawn bring us hope that these people will make a swift recovery,” the actor added.
As per reports, Haasan also announced a generous compensation of Rs 1 crore for each of three deceased assistant directors’ families.
This sum I have announced is not a solatium or compensation, it’s only to help their families cope with the times ahead. It is more like a small token of help, but in the long run, we as an industry must ensure that there would be insurance during future shootings. This is not a request but a responsibility. Nowhere in India, there is safety compliance in any field. We are a high profile industry so when accidents happen it gets a high profile in the media. Actually the victims could be anybody, irrespective of rich or poor”, Haasan was quoted as saying by WION.
Producers of the film, Lyca productions released a statement saying, “No words could ease what we truly feel. We are extremely saddened with the unfortunate accident that happened at the sets of Indian-2 yesterday.”
Kajal Aggarwal, who was at the set and also had a narrow escape, tweeted: “Words cannot describe the heartache I feel at the unexpected,untimely loss of my colleagues from last night. Krishna,Chandran and Madhu. Sending love,strength and my deepest condolences to your families.May god give strength in this moment of desolation. #Indian2.
She added: “In so much shock, denial, trauma from the monstrous crane accident last night. All it took was a fraction of a second to stay alive and type this tweet. Just that one moment. Gratitude. So much learning and appreciation for the value of time and life.”
A “shocked” Rakul Preet Singh added: “Shocked to hear about the accident on the set of my film ‘Indian 2’.. I don’t even know how to process the loss of lives.. my Heart goes out to families of the deceased .. extremely extremely sad.”
The Nazarathpet police have booked crane operator Rajan under three sections including 304(a) (causing death by negligence) and 28(Negligent conduct with respect to machinery). He is reportedly absconding.
(With inputs from IANS)
