1 dies as part of a flyover under construction in Madurai crashes

1 dies as part of a flyover under construction in Madurai crashes

Kaushik Kannan & Sukshma Ramakrishnan TNN

Madurai:29.08.2021

A guest worker from Uttar Pradesh died when a concrete portion of the Madurai-–Natham flyover between two pillars at Bank Colony near Naganakulam Tank in Madurai crashed and plunged eight metres into the ground on Saturday evening. Officials said the accident happened due to a technical snag in the hydraulic jack when construction workers were lifting a girder (precast concrete block) between the pillars. The flyover is being constructed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The incident happened around 4.30pm when workers were in the process of interlocking the Igirder on top of the flyover. Only two workers — Akash Singh and Saroj Kumar — were engaged in the task of handling the hydraulic jack and lift used for lifting the girder. Saroj Kumar was on the road operating the jack while Akash Singh was standing atop the concrete structure.

CRASH: A hydraulic jack malfunctioning has led to the collapse of a part of the Madurai-Natham flyover

No damage caused to the main flyover

There was an unexpected oil leak in the pipe connecting the hydraulic jack below and the lift on the top, resulting in inconsistency in the oil pressure in the machine. Soon, one side of the girder tilted and fell due to the imbalance, resulting in the huge structure coming crashing down. Akash’s hand got stuck in it and was severed as he also plunged down. He suffered multiple fractures and was rushed to Government Rajaji Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Saroj had a narrow escape as he managed to move away.

The portion that collapsed was part of the flyover’s arm connecting the service road. No damage was caused to the main flyover. Since vehicle movement where the accident took place was blocked with construction materials, there was no other incidents.

The 7.3-km-long flyover is part of the ₹1,200 crore Madurai-Natham four-lane highway which will reduce the distance between Madurai and Trichy and Chennai by 22 kms. Construction of the flyover at Rs 694crore began in November 2018 and was to be completed by November 2020 but the pandemic is among the reasons cited for the delay in completion. Finance minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan dismissed rumours that the bridge collapsed. “It is a workplace accident that unexpectedly took place at the construction site,” he told reporters and added that it was due to a broken hydraulic jack. Madurai city police commissioner Prem Anand Sinha said a case will be registered under section 304A of IPC for causing death due to negligence and they are investigating. “GMC has taken the contract. We are conducting inquiries with the immediate field supervisor and project manager,” he told TOI.