Construction worker impaled by iron rod in 25-feet fall, rescued in dramatic operation

Sagaya Fernando

12 February 2025

 

In a dramatic rescue operation, a construction worker in Pune (in the Indian state of Maharashtra) was saved after an iron rod pierced his shoulder following a fall from a height of approximately 25 feet. The incident occurred at an under-construction building behind Sharda Centre on Khillare Road in Erandwane at around 3:25 pm on February 5.

The worker, identified as Sujal Dabholkar, was checking construction points when he lost his footing and fell into a pit lined with iron rods meant for pillar construction. One of the rods impaled his shoulder, leaving him trapped and unable to move.

His co-workers immediately alerted the Erandwane Fire Station, which dispatched an emergency response team. Upon arrival, the rescue fire fighters assessed the situation and used a hydraulic cutter and ladder to carefully remove part of the rod while ensuring Dabholkar’s safety. The injured worker was lifted out of the pit and given first aid before being rushed to a private hospital in an ambulance.

Doctors later removed the remaining portion of the rod from his shoulder, and his condition is now stable.

The swift and efficient rescue, which was completed in just 15 minutes, involved fire engine driver Sachin Kshirsagar, squad leader Anant Jadhav, and fire-fighters Sachin Aiwale, Sagar Mundhe, Rahul Waghmode, Ashutosh Pingale, Nilesh Patil, Kamlesh Mane and Sumit Kamble.

This incident highlights the importance of workplace safety at construction sites, and authorities are expected to review safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future.