One worker was killed and another seriously injured after empty shipping containers fell from a berthed containership during severe weather at Nhava Sheva Freeport Terminal (NSFT), part of India’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), early on 6 July.
The accident occurred at approximately 03:30 local time as heavy rain and strong winds swept across the Mumbai metropolitan region. According to local authorities, eight empty containers were stacked aboard the 4,235-TEU containership Dalian when strong gusts caused four of them to topple onto two trucks positioned alongside the berth.
The victims were carrying out waste oil removal and other support activities near the vessel when they became trapped beneath one of the fallen containers. A 19-year-old worker was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital, while a 30-year-old colleague sustained serious injuries.
Terminal operations were temporarily suspended following the accident to allow emergency services, police and port officials to secure the area and begin an investigation. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority confirmed that it is examining the circumstances surrounding the container collapse and has provided assistance to the affected workers and their families.
The incident coincided with intense monsoon weather across Navi Mumbai, where torrential rainfall caused flooding and widespread traffic disruption in several districts. Strong winds associated with the storm are believed to have been the primary factor behind the container collapse, although investigators are also expected to review cargo securing arrangements and operational procedures at the terminal.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port, India’s largest container gateway, routinely experiences weather-related operational challenges during the southwest monsoon, when heavy rainfall and high winds can affect cargo handling and berth operations.
