An accident on the sets of Shankar’s Indian 2 last night left three dead and nine injured. A crane on which a heavy duty light was mounted came crashing killing three. Atleast nine were injured. The crew of the Kamal Haasan film was in EVP Film City in Nazarathpet.
Those fatally injured include Assistant Director, Krishna (34), Production Assistant Madhu (29) and Art Assistant Chandran (60). The film is being produced by Lyca. The makers said in a statement, “No words could ease what we truly feel. We are extremely saddened with the unfortunate accident that happened at the sets of Indian-2 yesterday (19th Feb 2020).”
— Lyca Productions (@LycaProductions) February 19, 2020
According to a statement a police officer gave NDTV, “The men were inside the box-like structure on top of the crane when it crashed. It appears they were working on lighting for the shoot. The incident happened at 9:30 pm on Wednesday.”
The Hindu reported that “Fire and Rescue Services personnel, along with a fire tender from Irungattukottai, were rushed to the spot when news of the accident first came in.” The news report also says that according to a senior police official, “The accident happened when workers were engaged in putting up a set for a scene.”
எத்தனையோ விபத்துக்களை சந்தித்து, கடந்திருந்தாலும் இன்றைய விபத்து மிகக் கொடூரமானது. மூன்று சகாக்களை இழந்து நிற்கிறேன்.எனது வலியை விட
அவர்களை இழந்த குடும்பத்தினரின் துயரம் பன்மடங்கு இருக்கும். அவர்களில் ஒருவனாக அவர்களின் துயரத்தில் பங்கேற்கிறேன்.அவர்களுக்கு என் ஆழ்ந்த அனுதாபங்கள்— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 19, 2020
Kamal Haasan wrote about the accident on social media, late last night. “I have seen many accidents in my life but today’s accident is the most horrific. I have lost three colleagues. More than my pain the grief of their family will be manifold. I take part in their anguish, as one of them. My deepest condolences to them.” He also said, “I met those injured and have spoken to doctors looking after them in the hospital. First aid has been provided and appropriate treatment is being carried out. Let this night end with the hope that they will get better soon.”
மருத்துவமனையில் விபத்தில் சிக்கியவர்களை பார்த்து மருத்துவர்களிடம் பேசியுள்ளேன்.
முதலுதவி வழங்கப்பட்டு உரிய சிகிச்சைக்கான வேலைகள் நடக்கிறது.
A D V E R T I S E M E N Tஇவர்கள் விரைவாக உடல் நலம் பெற்றிடுவார்கள் என்ற நம்பிக்கையுடனே இந்த இரவு விடியட்டும்.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 19, 2020
A source told NDTV, “Kamal Haasan was at another location inside the complex when the incident happened,” while police were unable to confirm if Shankar was on the sets at the time of the accident.
Words cannot describe the heartache I feel at the unexpected,untimely loss of my colleagues from lastnight.Krishna,Chandran and Madhu.Sending love,strength and my deepest condolences to your families.May god give strength in this moment of desolation. #Indian2 @LycaProductions
— Kajal Aggarwal (@MsKajalAggarwal) February 20, 2020
The Newsminute reports that “an FIR was registered at 1.30 am. No sections have been included and no arrests have been made in connection to the deaths so far.”
Providential escape from the ghastly mishap .Literally 10secs away from being crushed under.fortunate Kamal sir ,Kajal n me who were right under are safe #count your blessings our crushed canopy under the crane . we are #safe RIP our fellow mates @ikamalhaasan @MsKajalAggarwal pic.twitter.com/LB8SUwZV3l
— amritharam (@amritharam2) February 19, 2020
The industry has reacted with shock with reactions and condolences are pouring in. Pa Ranjith, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Santosh Sivan, Rakul Preet are among those who’ve reacted.
In so much shock, denial, trauma from the monstrous crane accident last night. All it took was a fraction of a second to stay alive and type this tweet. Just that one moment. Gratitude. So much learning and appreciation for the value of time and life. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Kajal Aggarwal (@MsKajalAggarwal) February 20, 2020
The accident took place in EVP Film City in Nazarethpet. In September 2018, on the sets of Bigg Boss Tamil, which was also in the film city, a technician slipped and died.
