Two crane operators were injured in a Mumbai port heavy-lift crane accident after a mobile crane struck the Vienna and caught fire.

The accident occurred at around 19:30 on Sunday at Ballard Pier Station, near Mumbai’s international cruise terminal. Two mobile cranes operated by Barkat Company were discharging a 140-tonne cargo unit from the Barbados-flagged Vienna.

According to Mumbai Police, a lifting strap attached to the cargo on one of the cranes became unbalanced and came loose during the operation.

The load then shifted onto the second crane, lifting it off the ground. Its telescopic boom subsequently struck the Vienna, and the impact and friction caused the crane to catch fire.

Images and video from the scene showed a large plume of black smoke rising from the waterfront.

Mumbai Port’s fire brigade responded and brought the fire under control. Two Barkat Company employees were injured and taken to hospital. No other casualties were reported.

The Vienna remained alongside after the accident while authorities assessed the damage and continued their investigation.