Fisherman killed as slab collapses in municipal market

Vijay Ramchandra Chorge (50) lost his life after a portion of a slab at the Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Municipal Market collapsed on him. Chorge was one of the four victims who were rushed to St George Hospital. However, it was only Chorge who succumbed to his injuries. A fisherman, Chorge was unloading his day's catch at the market located on Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Road, near Crawford Market, when the incident occurred. For the last few days, painting work at the bazaar was in progress.

Drop zone: A portion of the slab (circled) collapsed on the fisherman while he was unloading his day's catch at the market. Pic/Sunil Tiwari

Muzaffar Khan, a local shopkeeper, said, "The accident occurred around 7.30 in the morning. It was raining and suddenly a portion of a slab collapsed on the people below. One fisherman died, three others were injured. No such mishap has occurred at this market before." API Nalawde from MRA Marg police station, said, "The victim, a fisherman, was working with others at the spot. A portion of a slab fell on his head causing a serious injury and he started bleeding profusely. We rushed all the four victims to St George Hospital where Vijay was declared dead by the on-duty CMO. Vijay's wife and relatives arrived later to claim the body and left for their hometown, Karad in Satara district."

The hospital staff said, "They brought the victims at 8.10 in the morning. While three others had sustained minor injuries, the on-duty CMO examined Vijay and declared him dead on arrival. Vijay had sustained serious head injuries. His family left with the body around 1.30 pm." Jeevan Patgaonkar, city engineer (BMC), said, "I heard that the accident occurred after a portion of a slab collapsed onto the victim's head. I am still awaiting an official report regarding the accident. Hence I cannot comment on this issue. I'll investigate the cause of the collapse."u00a0