Fatal crane fire prompts Kolkata shutdown

Crane operator Dravin Rai died after he attempted to jump onto a net held out to catch him on berth 13, however the net was held too close to the ground at the Kolkata Port Trust-managed Indian port, leaving him fatally injured, according to Millennium post. Mr Rai died after being taken to hospital in Haldia.

“We are yet to trace the cause of fire. We have shut down all operations at the berth and an investigation has started,” the general manager of Haldia Port told Hindustan Times.

It is understood the crane had been loading coal onto bulk carrier Pella at berth 13 when the fire broke out, adding fuel to allegations that the port has not got adequate health and safety procedures in place.

While the fire brigade was sent for immediately, the rapid spread of the fire meant it could not be contained, while allegedly none of the port staff onsite were trained in disaster management.

Berth 13 is operated by a subsidiary of a Kolkata-based company.

By Rebecca Jeffrey