What Led to the Fatal Girder Collapse in Kerala's Alappuzha?
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Synopsis
A tragic accident at a construction site in Alappuzha, Kerala, raises concerns about safety regulations as a pickup driver loses his life due to a girder collapse. District authorities demand accountability while local residents protest alleged negligence. What went wrong at the Aroor-Thuravoor highway project?
Key Takeaways
- Alappuzha District Collector Alex Varghese has requested a report after the incident.
- A comprehensive inquiry will assess traffic regulation and safety protocols.
- The accident resulted from a hydraulic jack malfunction.
- Local residents are demanding accountability and better safety measures.
- Traffic on NH-66 is currently limited as investigations proceed.
Alappuzha (Kerala), Nov 13 (NationPress) - On Thursday, Alappuzha District Collector (DC) Alex Varghese requested a comprehensive report from the contracting company following a tragic incident at the Aroor-Thuravoor elevated highway construction site that claimed the life of a pickup van driver.
The DC emphasized that a thorough investigation will assess if there were any lapses in traffic management or breaches of safety regulations at the site.
Initial findings suggest that a failure in the hydraulic jack employed to elevate the heavy girders resulted in the collapse early Thursday morning.
“We had issued clear directives to maintain strict traffic control in the construction zone. However, due to the scale of the project, it might not have been entirely feasible to halt all vehicle movement on the national highway,” the Collector remarked. “We will look into whether there was any negligence in adhering to these instructions.”
Simultaneously, the firm responsible for the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) project refuted claims of negligence.
According to company coordinator Venu Gopal, the incident occurred due to a sudden malfunction of the hydraulic jack, not because of procedural oversights.
He asserted that traffic flow had been adequately regulated at the site at that time.
“Typically, we do not allow vehicles to pass when girders are being installed. Unfortunately, one vehicle entered the area unexpectedly, leading to the incident,” he explained.
Nevertheless, the firm’s statement ignited protests from local residents, who disputed the assertion that traffic was being properly managed.
Eyewitnesses claimed there were no barricades, signage, or visible safety measures in place during the girder lifting process.
Local residents accused the company of negligence and demanded accountability, insisting on stricter enforcement of safety guidelines.
The tragedy unfolded around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday at Chandiroor when two girders collapsed, one of which fell onto a pickup van transporting eggs from Tamil Nadu to Alappuzha.
The driver, Rajesh, a local from Pallippad, was killed on the spot.
Rescue teams spent several hours extricating the 8,000-kg girder to recover his body. Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas has been informed about the incident and has instructed officials to provide a detailed report on the safety lapses that contributed to this tragedy.
Traffic on NH-66 remains limited while investigations are underway.
Point of View
This tragic event in Alappuzha highlights critical issues regarding construction safety and regulatory oversight. As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative that authorities prioritize safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The community's concerns must be addressed to restore trust in infrastructure projects.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the girder collapse in Alappuzha?
The initial assessment indicates that a malfunction in the hydraulic jack used for lifting the girders led to the collapse.
What actions are being taken after the incident?
The District Collector has requested a detailed report from the contracting firm, and an investigation into safety protocols and traffic regulation compliance is underway.
Who was the victim of the accident?
The victim, Rajesh, was a pickup van driver from Pallippad, who tragically lost his life during the incident.
What are local residents saying about the incident?
Local residents have expressed outrage, accusing the contracting company of negligence and demanding stronger enforcement of safety norms at the construction site.
How is traffic affected in the area post-incident?
Traffic on NH-66 remains restricted as investigations into the incident continue.
