'Requested safety belts': Man killed, woman injured after crane basket falls during terrace inspection in Udupi

UDUPI: A man died, and a woman sustained serious injuries after they fell from a crane basket while inspecting a terrace leak in a house in Ajjarkad on Saturday. The deceased has been identified as Francis.According to a complaint filed by Jayalakshmi, a resident of Ajjarkad and long-time domestic helper at the residence of Vincent Furtado on Kittur Rani Chennamma Road, the incident occurred around 12.30 pm.Francis, a relative of the house owner, came to inspect a leak on the terrace. A crane from Sri Devi Cranes was brought in to access the roof. Jayalakshmi stated that Francis requested the crane operator to provide safety belts for himself and Sharada, another woman who came to clean the house.

However, the operator allegedly dismissed the request, saying belts were unnecessary.Francis and Sharada entered the crane basket to take a video of the leakage. While descending, the operator reportedly lost control, causing the basket to sway violently. One of its latches gave way, and both fell to the ground.Francis suffered severe head injuries and was declared dead at the Udupi District Govt Hospital. Sharada, who sustained multiple injuries, was later shifted to KMC Hospital in Manipal for further treatment.Udupi Town Police registered a case under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for negligence.