Auto-rickshaw driver killed after metro viaduct topples, crushes vehicle in Bengaluru
The Yelahanka traffic police said their preliminary investigations show the metro viaduct was not securely fastened to the truck.
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An 18-wheeler truck transporting the concrete structure suddenly braked crushing the vehicle and the driver.
(Express Photo)A 35-year-old auto-rickshaw driver was killed after a massive metro viaduct being transported on a truck fell on his vehicle shortly after midnight Wednesday near Kogilu Cross in North Bengaluru.
The accident occurred when an 18-wheeler truck transporting the concrete structure suddenly braked at the Kogilu Cross Junction on Ballari Road. The viaduct — part of the metro infrastructure designed to carry rail lines — toppled and landed on the auto-rickshaw, instantly crushing the vehicle and killing the driver, Kasim Saab. The lone passenger managed to escape with minor injuries.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the Yelahanka traffic police show the viaduct was not securely fastened to the truck. “The concrete structure wasn’t properly secured. The abrupt braking caused the slab to shift and fall, crushing the rickshaw,” said a police officer.
The truck driver fled the scene immediately, and remains untraceable as of Wednesday morning.
Eyewitnesses and passersby rushed to help, but the auto-rickshaw was buried under the heavy concrete slab. Rescue operations had to wait for a crane to lift the structure, by which time a large crowd had gathered.
The viaduct was likely being transported as part of Namma Metro’s Phase 2B project — a 37-km Blue Line corridor connecting K R Puram to the Kempegowda International Airport. The stretch will feature 17 stations, including one close to the accident site.
An investigation is underway, and the police said they are continuing efforts to locate the truck driver.
In a statement, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) said the accident took place at Yelahanka Kogilu Junction.
“The girder was being transported by a long carrier truck from the Vadiyarpura casting yard. While the truck took a turn, a sudden braking to avoid a vehicle which rushed in front of the trailer caused the girder to fall on an auto rickshaw, and resulting in the death of the driver. The body of the auto rickshaw driver was recovered using cranes, and despite medical attention, he was declared dead by medical authorities. Our deepest condolences go out to the family of the deceased,” BMRCL said.
“Police personnel are conducting further investigations into the accident, and suitable action will be taken. BMRCL regrets this untimely loss of life and will compensate the family of the deceased as per protocol. The safety of the general public is of utmost importance to BMRCL, whether it is in operations or construction, and we will ensure that all necessary measures are taken to avoid such occurrences in future.”
In January 2023, a metro pillar collapsed near HBR Layout, killing a woman and her young son, who were travelling on a two-wheeler with their family.
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