Mobile tower comes crashing down, 1 dead

GURGAON: A 23-year-old man was killed and his friend injured seriously when a mobile phone tower fell on them on Monday night in Gurgaon, raising questions over

GURGAON: A 23-year-old man was killed and his friend injured seriously when a mobile phone tower fell on them on Monday night in Gurgaon, raising questions over the presence of such towers in residential areas.

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The accident happened at 10.15pm when rain and heavy winds lashed the city.

The victim, Hem Chand, was riding a bike with his friend Rahul Kumar, 19, when the tower erected on the third floor of a house in old Gurgaon fell on them.

Chand was rushed to a local hospital from where he was referred to a private hospital on Sohna road where he died.

Kumar is still in hospital and is recuperating after a minor operation. Chand, a labourer, is survived by wife, two-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son.

The police filed a case of negligence against the house owner and mobile tower firm. Investigating officer, assistant sub inspector Sanjay Kumar, said it was negligence on part of the owner of the house where the tower was installed and the company that installed it.

“We are investigating the matter and will initiate action against the culprits” the officer said.

Pradeep Kumar, cousin of Rahul, informed the police about the incident and has lodged the FIR. He said the house has three towers on the roof all of which are installed reportedly in violation of the norms.