Panchkula: Two helpers in their early twenties died after a crane overturned while lifting a generator at a company premises in Industrial Area Phase II on Thursday afternoon.According to police, the accident occurred when a generator was being lifted to the third floor of a building using a crane. Preliminary investigations suggest the crane may have lost balance, possibly due to an uneven surface, causing it to overturn.The two helpers, who were positioned on the generator during the lifting operation, fell to the ground along with the equipment. Police said they were not crushed by the crane but sustained severe head injuries, which are suspected to have caused their deaths.The victims were identified as Manish, a native of Bihar, and Naveen, a resident of Himachal Pradesh. Both were rushed to civil hospital, where doctors declared them dead. The crane operator escaped unhurt.Police said an inquiry is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.No FIR had been registered till the filing of this report. Police have informed the families of the deceased and are awaiting their arrival, after which further legal proceedings will be initiated.Investigators said that, prima facie, no negligence on the part of the crane operator has come to light so far.The impact of the crane overturning also brought down electricity poles and overhead power lines in the area. Police cordoned off the site from both sides to prevent people from venturing near the damaged wires and risking electrocution. The power department has been informed and restoration work is expected to begin after the site is made safe.
