In a shocking early-morning tragedy, a massive girder from the Arur–Thuravoor elevated highway construction site collapsed onto a moving pickup van, crushing its driver to death. The victim has been identified as Rajesh, a resident of Pathanamthitta. The fatal incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Thursday, sending shockwaves through the region.
According to reports, two heavy girders fell on the van, which was carrying eggs from Ernakulam to Pathanamthitta. Rescue workers rushed to the spot, using cranes to lift the fallen structures and cut open the mangled vehicle to recover Rajesh’s body trapped inside.
Initial investigations point to a grave safety lapse at the construction site. It is alleged that vehicles were allowed to pass through even as girders were being installed, a move locals describe as “criminal negligence.” Witnesses said that jacks supporting the girders slipped, triggering the collapse.
Authorities are inspecting the area to ensure no one else was caught under the debris. Meanwhile, traffic on the busy national highway has been diverted, causing significant delays. The incident has reignited public outrage over safety standards at major infrastructure projects in Kerala.
