Kamal Haasan Opens Up About The ‘Indian 2’ Accident

Three were killed in a crane mishap on the sets of the Kamal Haasan film on 19 February.

Three were killed in a crane mishap on the sets of Indian 2.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter)

After being summoned by the Central Crime Branch on Tuesday, 3 March, regarding an investigation into the accident on the sets of Indian 2, actor Kamal Haasan spoke to the media about it.

“I was one of those who survived the accident that day. As for the three people who lost their lives to the tragedy, it is my responsibility to come out and share what happened so that similar incidents can be avoided in future.”

Kamal Haasan, Actor

He added, “A number of people from the film industry met me and we are trying to ensure that steps are being taken to prevent such mishaps.” Haasan also asked for recommendations from people to ensure safety in shooting locations.

Haasan was summoned by the Crime Branch to be part of the investigation into an accident that took place on the sets of his film Indian 2 in Chennai on 19 February. A crane employed to erect the set crashed, killing three – Madhu, the personal assistant, assistant director Krishna and an art assistant named Chandran. Haasan, who was also at the spot at the time, escaped unharmed.

The Chennai police arrested the crane operator following the accident. According to The News Minute, the Poonamallee police also booked A Subaskaran, head of the film’s producers Lyca Productions, under Sections 287 (Negligent conduct with respect to machinery), 337 (Causing hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety of others), 338 (Causing grievous hurt by an act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 304A (Causing death my negligence) of the Indian Penal Code.

Haasan took to Twitter to offer his condolences. In a statement to the media, he announced that he would be giving Rs 1 crore to the families of the deceased. In a statement to the media, he said, “There are accidents waiting to happen and we should make sure they don't happen. After an accident, everyone says precautions should've been taken. I am not looking at this as an accident that happened in Lyca Productions but in my own family,” he said.

“Crores of rupees are spent for a film, but it is shameful we can’t provide absolute safety to avoid accidents such as this. We need to ensure there is insurance for all technicians and proper safe arrangements. Nowhere is there safety compliance in any industry. Since we are a high-profile industry, it gets featured in media. I too could've been in their place. Director Shankar and cameraperson moved just 4 seconds before the heroine and I were under that tent just a few seconds before and missed it by a scratch,” he added.

His co-stars Kajal Aggarwal and Rakul Preet Singh also expressed their grief at losing their colleagues to the accident.