Mumbai/UNI: At least 16 people died and three got injured after a girder launching machine collapsed near Shahpur in neighbouring Thane district on Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday near Sarlambe village in Shahpur tehsil while girder launching work was underway for a bridge.

As per the information, the machine was being used for the under-construction bridge of Phase III, the 701 km long Expressway.

It is feared that another six labourers and engineers are trapped below the debris. This doesn't include those who have sustained injuries and are being treated at a local hospital in Shahapur.

Two NDRF teams are carrying out the rescue operation. 'Till now, 16 bodies have been retrieved and three have been injured,' a state government official said.

Awaiting further details.