B'luru Metro expresses regret as girder viaduct during transportation crushes man to death

Bengaluru, April 16: The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Wednesday regretted the tragic incident at the Yelahanka Kogilu Junction here in which an autorickshaw driver lost his life after a girder viaduct during transportation fell onto the three-wheeler crushing its driver to death on the spot.

A long carrier truck transporting a girder from the Wadiyarpura casting yard was involved in the accident that happened around Tuesday midnight. As the truck was taking a turn, the girder support system failed and the massive concrete structure fell onto an autorickshaw, resulting in the death of its driver -- identified as Kasim Saab.

Reacting to the incident, BMRCL, in its official statement, stated, "Whether in operations or construction, public safety is of the utmost priority to BMRCL, and all necessary measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future."

The accident took place while Saab, a resident of Hegde Nagar, was ferrying a passenger towards Nagawara. The passenger had a miraculous escape, police said.

The autorickshaw driver, who was trapped beneath, was pulled out using a crane and rushed for medical treatment. However, despite efforts, medical officials declared him dead, it stated.

BMRCL expresses deep regret over this untimely loss of life and conveys heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. As per protocol, compensation will be provided to the family of the deceased, the statement stated.

The girder viaduct -- a massive concrete structure -- was being transported on an 18-wheeler truck for the airport Metro line. While taking a turn at Kogilu Cross, the truck's trailer detached from the cabin, splitting into two, causing the girder to fall onto the road, the police said.

Tragically, the girder landed on the autorickshaw. Police said preliminary information indicates that the passenger had just alighted moments before the mishap.

However, Saab was still in the vehicle and was crushed under the falling structure. The autorickshaw was also completely mangled.

Police have launched a manhunt for the driver of the truck, who fled the scene after the accident.

Soon after the incident, bystanders and local residents rushed to help the victim. Police also reached the spot, but a crane was required to lift the massive viaduct.

Some of the local residents, angered by the delay in the arrival of the crane, reportedly resorted to stone pelting, sources said.

The police eventually brought the situation under control, and once the crane arrived, the girder was moved and Saab's body was recovered.

Local residents expressed outrage at the BMRCL blaming its officials of negligence.

In a similar incident on January 10, 2023, a woman techie and her child (a toddler) were killed in HBR Layout in Bengaluru after an under-construction Metro pier buckled and fell on four members of a family travelling on a motorcycle.

The Bengaluru Police had charged 10 people, including representatives of Nagarjuna Constructions Company (NCC) and four officials of the BMRCL over the incident.

Reader Comments

R

Rahul K.

This is absolutely heartbreaking 💔 How many more lives need to be lost before proper safety measures are implemented? My deepest condolences to Kasim Saab's family.

P

Priya M.

The passenger who just got out must be in shock. Can't imagine what was going through his mind seeing this happen moments after he stepped out. Life is so fragile.

S

Sanjay T.

While the BMRCL's statement sounds sincere, we need more than words. There should be stricter protocols for transporting such heavy materials through city roads, especially at night.

A

Ananya R.

The truck driver fleeing the scene makes this even worse. How can someone be so heartless after causing such a tragedy? Hope they catch him soon.

V

Vikram J.

Respectful criticism: BMRCL needs to stop with the "regrets" and "condolences" after every incident and actually invest in better safety systems. This isn't the first time.

N

Neha P.

The poor man was just doing his job, trying to earn a living. Makes you think how any of us could be in the wrong place at the wrong time. So sad 😢

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.