Mumbai, August 31, 2026: A major accident occurred at Mumbai Port on Sunday evening while unloading a heavy cargo. A crane caught fire while lifting cargo weighing 140 metric tons in the BPS Port area. Two crane operators were injured in the accident. After the incident, the Mumbai Port Fire Brigade team reached the spot and controlled the fire. Police have started investigating the matter.
140 tons of cargo was being lifted
According to police, the incident occurred at around 7:30 pm on Sunday at the BPS terminal area of Mumbai Port when around 140 metric tonnes of cargo was being unloaded from the Barbados-flagged ship ‘Vienna’.
Two cranes operated by the private company Barkat were being used to lift the cargo. The heavy load was being lifted with both cranes, when a lifting strap attached to one of the cranes became unbalanced and came loose.
The load suddenly shifted to another crane
According to preliminary investigations, the lifting strap slipped and the entire weight of the cargo suddenly shifted onto the second crane. The sudden weight caused the second crane to lift off the ground.
The crane’s front telescopic boom then struck the ship. The friction generated by the impact caused the crane to catch fire. Some reports suggest the crane even overturned.
Fire brigade extinguished the fire
The Mumbai Port Fire Brigade was dispatched to the scene immediately after receiving information about the crane fire. Firefighters acted swiftly, controlling the fire and preventing it from spreading.
The incident caused a brief panic in the port area. However, available reports indicate that the fire was brought under control before it could spread to the ship or the surrounding area.
Two crane operators injured
Two crane operators from the Barkat company, Ranjit Singh and Nishant Singh, were injured in the accident. Both were taken to St George Hospital for treatment.
Police and media reports have not provided the detailed nature of their injuries. According to available information, both have been provided medical assistance.
Police started investigation
Following the incident, Yellow Gate Police have launched an investigation. Officials say they are investigating to determine the exact cause and sequence of events that led to the accident.
The investigation will look into why the lifting strap became unbalanced while lifting heavy cargo, what safety procedures were being followed and what technical problems arose due to the sudden additional load on the crane.
At present, only after the completion of the police investigation will a clear picture emerge regarding the responsibility and technical reasons for the accident.
Safety issues in heavy loading operations
Two cranes were being used simultaneously to lift a cargo as heavy as 140 metric tons. In such an operation, the balance of weight, the position of the lifting straps, and the coordination between the two cranes are extremely important.
Mumbai Port’s safety documents also emphasize adherence to safe working limits for hoisting and hauling equipment and securing areas around cranes where workers may be exposed to the crane.
An investigation into the incident is currently underway. Only after the investigation is complete will it be clear whether the accident was caused solely by a lifting strap imbalance or whether there were other technical or safety issues involved.