Tragic Incident Claims Lives of Father and Daughter in Surat
A devastating accident occurred on Saturday in Surat, resulting in the deaths of a 35-year-old man and his nine-year-old daughter. The tragic incident took place near Kathore village on the outskirts of the city, where a heavy metal plate fell from an under-construction bullet train bridge over the Tapi River.
Details of the Fatal Mishap
The deceased have been identified as Mohsin Shaikh and his young daughter, Huma. According to police reports, the pair sustained critical injuries when the metal plate reportedly slipped from a crane at the construction site and crashed directly onto their small boat. At the time of the accident, they were fishing in the river along with Shaikh's mother.
Police stated that Shaikh, his daughter, and his mother were travelling in a modest dinghy through a narrow water channel situated between a bridge pillar and the riverbank. Simultaneously, construction activities were underway, and a metal plate being lifted by a crane fell onto their vessel with tremendous force.
Immediate Aftermath and Local Response
Following the incident, a large number of local residents gathered at the spot, expressing shock and grief. The injured were promptly rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Tragically, doctors declared Mohsin Shaikh and his daughter Huma dead upon arrival. Fortunately, Shaikh's mother survived the mishap and is currently receiving care.
Local residents have raised serious concerns regarding safety measures at the construction site. They alleged that this particular waterway had been intentionally kept open to allow movement for local fishermen, as boat traffic between other pillars was restricted due to the ongoing construction work. Many claimed that adequate safety protocols were not in place, which ultimately led to this heartbreaking accident.
Official Statements and Investigation
In response to the tragedy, police have registered a formal case and initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. Authorities are examining all aspects, including potential negligence and safety violations at the construction site.
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) issued a detailed statement regarding the event. According to their account, construction work was underway on the Tapi River bridge at approximately 4:45 PM when a workman heard a distress call from a woman. He immediately rushed to the location and noticed a woman drowning in the river. One of the workers courageously jumped into the water and successfully rescued her.
During the rescue operation, it was reported that two other individuals who were in the same boat had also fallen into the water. Local fishermen quickly reached the scene, retrieved the bodies, and brought them ashore. It was later confirmed that both had succumbed to their injuries. The NHSRCL emphasized that they and their contractor are extending full cooperation and support to the police in the ongoing investigation.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
This tragic incident has highlighted significant safety concerns surrounding large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly those involving water bodies and local communities. The accident underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures and continuous monitoring at construction sites to prevent such fatalities.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to scrutinize compliance with safety regulations and assess whether proper precautions were implemented to protect both workers and the public. The community remains in mourning, calling for accountability and improved safety standards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
