What Compensation is Offered for the Victim of the Kerala Girder Collapse?
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Synopsis
In a tragic incident at the Aroor–Thuravoor highway project, a construction worker lost his life due to a girder collapse. The company has offered substantial compensation, but questions of safety and accountability remain. What led to this catastrophic event?
Key Takeaways
- Compensation for Victim's Family: Rs 25 lakh announced for the deceased's family.
- Safety Concerns: Eyewitnesses report inadequate safety measures present at the site.
- Government Investigation: NHAI has formed a committee to investigate the collapse.
- Community Response: Locals are demanding accountability and stricter safety norms.
- Impact on Construction Practices: The incident raises concerns about the urgency in completing construction projects.
Alappuzha, Nov 13 (NationPress) A construction firm has declared a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the family of Rajesh, a 42-year-old pickup van driver from Pallippad, who tragically lost his life when two massive girders fell at the Aroor–Thuravoor elevated highway project site early Thursday morning.
The incident took place at around 2:30 a.m. near Chandiroor, as the 8,000-kg girders collapsed onto Rajesh's vehicle, which was transporting eggs from Tamil Nadu to Alappuzha.
Company representatives stated that the compensation cheque will be presented to local revenue officials on Friday for distribution to the grieving family.
Rajesh leaves behind his elderly parents, wife, and two children.
"My son was the only provider for our family. We are now left without support," his father lamented, as distressed locals convened at the site, demanding accountability and threatening protests if adequate compensation was not forthcoming.
A preliminary investigation indicated that the mishap was caused by a malfunction in the hydraulic jack used for lifting the girders.
Project coordinator Venu Gopal commented, "The incident resulted from a sudden hydraulic failure, not procedural errors," noting that traffic was regulated during the accident.
However, eyewitness accounts contradicted this, claiming that there were no barricades, warning signs, or visible safety measures in effect while the girders were being elevated.
Community members accused the firm of severe negligence and urged for more stringent enforcement of safety regulations at significant construction sites.
Rescue teams worked for several hours to remove the collapsed structure and recover Rajesh’s body.
Public Works Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas has instructed officials to compile a detailed report on the safety oversights.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) expressed its condolences and formed an expert committee to investigate the collapse's cause.
Earlier in the day, Alappuzha District Collector Alex Varghese requested a comprehensive report from the contracting company, with a thorough inquiry planned to determine if there were lapses in traffic control or violations of safety measures on site.
AICC general secretary and Alappuzha Lok Sabha member K.C. Venugopal, who also chairs the Parliamentary Committee overseeing National Highway construction, expressed that one of the reasons behind such accidents is the undue haste for rapid completion.
"The state government bears responsibility as they are a crucial facilitator in the NH construction, and it is essential to ascertain the cause of this tragedy," Venugopal remarked.
Point of View
We at NationPress are committed to delivering unbiased news. The recent girder collapse in Alappuzha highlights critical safety concerns in construction practices that demand accountability. It is imperative that we not only mourn the loss of life but also advocate for stringent safety regulations to prevent such tragedies moving forward.
NationPress
14/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the girder collapse in Kerala?
Preliminary investigations suggest that the collapse was due to a malfunction of the hydraulic jack used for lifting the girders.
What compensation has been offered to the victim's family?
The construction company has announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the family of the deceased driver.
Who is responsible for the incident?
While company officials indicated a hydraulic failure, eyewitnesses have accused the firm of negligence due to lack of safety measures.
What actions are being taken in response to the accident?
An expert committee has been formed by the National Highways Authority of India to investigate the cause of the collapse. Local authorities are also conducting their own inquiries.
What are the implications of this incident for construction safety?
This tragic event underscores the urgent need for stricter safety regulations and oversight at construction sites to prevent future accidents.
