Bengaluru, April 16 (NationPress) The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) expressed its sorrow over the unfortunate event at the Yelahanka Kogilu Junction, where an autorickshaw driver tragically lost his life when a girder viaduct fell during transportation, crushing him instantly.

The accident occurred around midnight on Tuesday when a long carrier truck, transporting a girder from the Wadiyarpura casting yard, experienced a support system failure while making a turn. This led to the massive concrete structure plummeting onto an autorickshaw, resulting in the immediate death of the driver, identified as Kasim Saab.

In response to this incident, BMRCL released an official statement emphasizing, "Public safety is always our top priority, whether in operations or construction, and we will implement all necessary measures to ensure such tragedies do not recur in the future."

The incident happened as Saab, a resident of Hegde Nagar, was transporting a passenger towards Nagawara, who fortunately escaped unharmed, according to police reports.

Rescue efforts involved using a crane to extricate the driver trapped beneath the debris, but despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead, the statement noted.

BMRCL conveyed its deep condolences to the grieving family and confirmed that compensation would be provided in accordance with protocol.

The girder, a significant concrete structure, was being moved on an 18-wheeler truck intended for the airport Metro line. As the truck navigated a turn at Kogilu Cross, its trailer disconnected from the cabin, causing the girder to collapse onto the roadway, police reported.

Tragically, the girder struck the autorickshaw while the passenger had just exited moments before the incident.

While Saab remained in the vehicle, he was crushed by the falling girder, which left the autorickshaw completely mangled.

Authorities have initiated a manhunt for the truck driver, who fled the scene post-accident.

Following the incident, bystanders and local residents rushed to assist the victim, with police arriving shortly thereafter. Due to the girder's weight, a crane was needed for removal.

Some locals, frustrated by the crane's late arrival, reportedly reacted by throwing stones, sources indicated.

However, the police managed to restore order, and once the crane arrived, the girder was removed, allowing for the recovery of Saab's body.

Local residents voiced their anger towards BMRCL, accusing officials of negligence.

A similar incident occurred on January 10, 2023, when a woman techie and her toddler lost their lives in HBR Layout after an under-construction Metro pier collapsed onto a family traveling on a motorcycle.

Following that incident, the Bengaluru Police charged ten individuals, including representatives from Nagarjuna Constructions Company (NCC) and four BMRCL officials.