Alappuzha MLA Daleema Jojo Promises Action Over Death of Pickup Driver in Girder Collpase

Aroor: Alappuzha MLA Daleema Jojo has stated that proper actions will be taken in connection with the death of a pickup van driver after a girder from an under-construction flyover collapsed at Arur, Alappuzha.

The MLA stated that traffic control measures were in place at the construction site and that no vehicles were usually allowed to pass under the bridge while girders were being lifted. “We will conduct a detailed inquiry into what exactly happened in the early hours of Thursday,” she told the media.

According to workers, the jack slipped while lifting the girder. “Many vehicles usually pass beneath the flyover, but strict traffic control had been maintained throughout the construction period. A precious life has been lost. We had instructed that all safety precautions be followed. Now, we need clear answers about what went wrong last night. A proper investigation will be conducted,” MLA added.

The Public Works Department has sought an explanation from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding the accident. The victim, identified as Rajesh from Pallippad, Haripad, was driving the pickup van when the accident occurred around 3 a.m. The 8,000-kg girder fell directly onto the moving van beneath the flyover. It took rescue workers more than three and a half hours to remove the girder and retrieve the body. One girder had completely collapsed while another was left tilted.

According to the vehicle owner, Rajesh was returning from Tamil Nadu after delivering eggs. He was alone in the vehicle at the time of the accident. The owner added that Rajesh had driven the van because the regular driver was unavailable that night.