National highway under construction collapses at Kollam, minister orders investigation

KOLLAM: A large crater was formed on the service road after the national highway under construction caved in at Kottiyam. Many vehicles, including a school bus, made a miraculous escape and are still stuck here. The incident happened near Mylakkadu in Kottiyam. The students in the school bus have been taken to a safer place. Minister of Public Works of Kerala Muhammad Riyas ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. The instruction has been given to seek an explanation from the national highway authority officials. The national highway authority explained that they will study what happened by assigning experts. The national highway project director and the site engineers will reach the premises soon.

The locals raised critical allegations against the company named Shivalaya, which is undertaking the construction of the national highway. Many balmed that the ongoing construction at this place was unscientific. Complaints were even sent to authorities, including the collector. Kottiyam often gets the tag for being the town with the most intense traffic snarl in Kollam.

The collector visited this place earlier. When complained about the unscientific method, the authorities promised to conduct a geographical examination. However, no such initiatives have been taken yet," stated one native