A tragic crane accident claimed two lives in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu, after a large crane reportedly suffered a brake failure and lost control while moving near a busy area. The incident occurred around 5 PM on Friday, September 13, 2025, near the Kanniyakumari railway station, causing panic and destruction.
The crane, which was navigating a public road, suddenly went out of control, ramming into multiple vehicles and injuring several bystanders before crashing into a compound wall. Among the deceased were a 19-year-old student, A. Sabari, who was studying in a catering college, and a 37-year-old man, N. Mohamed Shan, a construction worker. Both were declared dead on the spot.
Eyewitnesses reported that the crane was moving at considerable speed when it suddenly veered off course, crushing everything in its path. Police said initial investigations suggest a possible brake failure as the primary cause.
The crane operator, identified as C. Ganapathy (49), was also injured in the incident and has since been arrested on charges of negligence. His blood samples have been sent for testing to determine if alcohol or other substances were involved.
This tragic event raises serious concerns about the safety practices surrounding crane movement through public areas. Questions are now being asked about the maintenance standards of the equipment, the adequacy of operator training, and whether proper protocols were followed before moving the crane on a public road.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact sequence of events and whether safety violations contributed to the fatal mishap. Meanwhile, the families of the victims are demanding justice and stricter enforcement of safety regulations for heavy machinery operations in public zones.
This is not the first time a crane accident has occurred in a populated area, and the incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of rigorous safety checks, operator training, and preventive maintenance.
