Bike rider dies after falling Into highway construction pit

OACHIRA: A 50-year-old man died after falling into a pit dug for a drain as part of national highway construction works. The deceased is Ajith, son of Bhaskaran Achari of Memana in Oachira.

The accident happened on Wednesday night. Ajith had left home around 7 p.m. to buy fish. The accident occurred while he was returning home. The pit dug for the drain had water collected up to half its depth. Ajith fell into the pit along with his motorcycle, and the bike was found trapped on his body. Since construction work is going on in the area, very few vehicles usually pass through that route.

Locals found the body around 7 a.m. on Thursday. There were no safety arrangements or warning boards at the spot. Oachira Police started further procedures in the case. The body was buried at his house compound around 7 p.m. the same day. Ajith’s mother is Pankajakshi. His wife is Rathi, and he is survived by his only son, Aadhi.

Demand for compensation
C. R. Mahesh, MLA, has written to Public Works Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas demanding compensation for Ajith’s family, alleging negligence by the national highway authorities. He also demanded strict action against those responsible and called for proper warning systems to be installed at construction sites.