Crane overturns, bursts into flames at Mumbai port; dramatic visuals show black smoke

A crane overturned and burst into flames at Mumbai Port on Sunday evening, injuring two operators during cargo unloading operations. The incident occurred at around 7:15 p.m. near Green Gate, beside the Cruise Terminal in Ballard Pier Estate, according to reports from the BPT control room. The vessel involved, identified as "Vienna," was flying the Barbados flag and was undergoing unloading procedures when the accident happened. The fire was brought under control by BPT Fire station staff by approximately 8:30 p.m. The two injured individuals were identified as Ranjit, the crane operator, and Nishant, his assistant. Both were transported to St. George Hospital for medical attention. Details regarding their current condition remain pending. The incident unfolded while a 140-metric-ton cargo was being lifted from the vessel using two cranes operated by Barkat Company. According to the Mumbai Police, the cause of the mishap was traced to a technical failure during the lifting process. One of the cranes experienced an imbalance in the load it was handling. This caused the sling attached to the cargo to become loose, leading the entire load to shift onto the second crane. As the second crane was lifted off the ground, its front telescopic boom collided with the vessel. The resulting friction triggered the crane to catch fire. The police further stated that the incident occurred at around 7:30 p.m. on August 30, 2026, at the BPS port in Mumbai Port. They noted that the vessel "Vienna" was engaged in cargo unloading operations when the accident transpired. The police emphasized that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact causes of the incident and the subsequent fire. Firefighters were swiftly deployed to the scene and successfully contained the blaze. The authorities have confirmed that the two injured operators were taken to St. George Hospital for treatment. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover all contributing factors and assess whether there were any safety lapses or equipment failures that could have contributed to the accident. The incident highlights the potential risks associated with heavy cargo operations and underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols in such environments. The involvement of multiple stakeholders, including the BPT control room, the fire department, and the hospital, demonstrates the coordinated response to ensure the well-being of the affected individuals and prevent further complications. As the investigation continues, officials are expected to provide more detailed findings on the sequence of events and any regulatory actions that may follow. The maritime industry will likely review the incident to reinforce safety measures and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of workers and maintaining operational efficiency at the port.