AT least six people have been killed after a lift plummeted 40 floors at a high rise building in India.
A group of workers was completing a waterproofing job on a terrace when the lift plummeted to the ground in Thane, India.
Another three people were injured following the deadly plunge.
One of them, who was in critical condition, was promptly transferred to a nearby hospital for medical assistance but succumbed to his injuries.
The fire brigade rushed to the building in the Balkum area of Thane at around 6pm on Sunday, where they pulled out the workers from the crashed lift.
It is believed the tragedy took place after one of the lift's supporting cables snapped, India Today reported.
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Neighbours reportedly heard a loud bang before the crash.
"I was at building 7 when I heard a loud crashing sound as if a low-intensity bomb had exploded," a resident said.
"I got to know later that workers had died in the service lift crash."
A statement issued by Dhruva Woollen Mills Pvt Ltd said the elevator had been "under continuous surveillance and is serviced under an existing annual maintenance contract.
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"The last maintenance was done on August 23. The assessment report states the good condition of the lift."
But ex-Thame Municipal Corporation, Sanjay Bhoir, told local media: "
"I've learnt that the lift was repaired two days ago and a bogus certificate for its fitness was issued."
Bhoir further claimed that neither cops nor fire brigade officials had reached the spot for a long time, Times of India reports.
While Yasin Tadvi, chief of the Regional Disaster Management Cell of Thane Municipal Corporation said the lift crashed from the 40th floor, a spokesperson for the construction company said it had come down from the 13th floor.
The deceased have been identified as Mahendra Choupal, 32, Rupesh Kumar Das, 21, Mithilesh, 35, Karidas, 38, and Harun Shaikh, 47.
Shaikh has been identified as a lift operator.
The identity of one of the deceased is yet to be confirmed.
One of the injured people has been identified as 21-year-oldSunil Kumar Das.
Cops from the Kapurbawdi police station also rushed to the scene.
Inspector S Nimbalkar confirmed that the initial inquiry had been concluded and an accidental report filed.
"We have informed their families, who are currently on their way to the location," he said.
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"Preliminary investigations have revealed a grave case of negligence, as the lift tragically plummeted from the 40th floor, resulting in the loss of lives.
"Those found responsible for this horrific incident will be held accountable under the law,"
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