‘Diversion signs not responsible for Neera bridge accident’

Pranav Lele (29),Chintan Buch (28),Sahil Qureshi (28) and Shrutika Chandwani (23),who worked with an advertising agency in Pune,had gone missing in the early hours of November 2. Chintan’s body was found in Neera river at Sarole village on Wednesday while the remaining three bodies along with the car were recovered on November 7.

After the accident,the NHAI had asked the construction company PS Toll Road Pvt Ltd,an independent engineering firm,and a safety consultant to submit their reports. An NHAI officer said the reports from all the three entities were received within a few days of the communication.

Sources said the letter from the construction company said that all the safety precautions were taken and blamed the driver for the accident. The letter claimed the driver could have been under influence of alcohol. NHAI officers,however,said no such conclusion can be drawn and only police investigation would reveal the truth. The kin of the deceased has alleged that unnecessary diversion sign on the bridge could have created confusion in the mind of the driver.

The report from the independent engineering firm and the safety consultant says the diversion boards could not have caused the accident. The two entities also said that safety barricades and metal structures should be constructed at the spot to avoid similar incident. The reports said no accident has taken place at the spot in the past.

NHAI project director for Pune region Rajesh Kaundal refused to comment.