A routine inspection turned fatal in Ajjarkad, Udupi on Saturday, June 15, when a man died and a woman was seriously injured after falling from a crane basket. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. at the residence of Vincent Furtado on Kittur Rani Chennamma Road.
Francis, the younger brother of Vincent Furtado, had arrived to check for a terrace leak. A crane from Sri Devi Cranes was hired to reach the roof. Jayalakshmi, a long-time domestic worker at the residence, filed a complaint stating that Francis had specifically asked the crane operator, 25-year-old Rajesh, for safety harnesses for himself and Sharada, a woman assisting with cleaning.
According to the complaint, the crane operator dismissed the request for safety belts, claiming they weren’t needed. Both Francis and Sharada entered the crane basket to take a video of the leakage. However, while being lowered, the crane reportedly swayed uncontrollably. One of the basket latches gave way, causing both individuals to fall from a height.
Francis sustained critical head injuries and was declared dead at the Udupi District Government Hospital. Sharada, who suffered multiple injuries, was referred to KMC Hospital in Manipal for advanced treatment.
Udupi Town Police have booked the crane operator under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for negligence. He was taken into custody but later released on station bail.
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