A tragic accident at a Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) construction site has claimed the life of a 25-year-old lawyer, casting a shadow over the project's upcoming trial run. The fatal incident occurred on Thursday night near the Valasaravakkam area when a heavy crane struck the victim's motorcycle.
Details of the Fatal Night-Time Accident
On Thursday night, a team was working at the busy Jai Nagar Junction in Valasaravakkam to prepare for a crucial trial run on the new metro line. At around 11 PM, workers were operating a heavy-duty crane to lift materials at the intersection. At the same time, Mukesh Kumar, a lawyer residing in Choolaimedu, was riding his motorcycle through the area.
According to police reports, the crane operator lost control of the machinery. The crane struck Mukesh Kumar unexpectedly, with the force of the impact throwing him several feet away from his vehicle. He sustained severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the spot. Officials from the Maduravoyal traffic investigation wing sent his body to a government hospital for a postmortem examination.
Project Impact and Immediate Aftermath
The accident site is part of the significant Corridor-4, a 26.1-kilometer stretch connecting Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass. The very next day, on Friday, CMRL had scheduled initial traction testing and electrification work on the Porur-Vadapalani segment. They had also planned a trial run for that day, but it was postponed following the tragic event.
Police have arrested the crane driver, identified as 28-year-old Saini from Uttar Pradesh. He faces charges of causing death due to negligence. Authorities have confirmed that inquiries are ongoing to examine several critical aspects, including compliance with site safety norms, protocols for crane operation, and the management of traffic movement around the active construction zone.
Calls for Enhanced Safety Measures
The incident has sparked concern among local residents, who are demanding stricter protective measures at construction sites, particularly during night hours and at high-traffic crossings like Valasaravakkam. The community seeks assurances that such preventable tragedies will not occur in the future as the city's metro network expands.
This accident highlights the persistent safety challenges faced in large-scale urban infrastructure projects. It underscores the need for rigorous enforcement of safety protocols, especially in densely populated and busy areas, to protect both workers and the public.
