Jalandhar, March 2: A 35-year-old motorcyclist died late Sunday night after falling into an open 20-foot-deep construction trench in Kangniwal village, sparking allegations of severe safety lapses by the Public Works Department (PWD). The victim, identified as Vikas Jassar of Phillaur, was traveling on the Jandu Singha-Lamma Pind road when he plunged into the pit at a bridge construction site.
Police reports stated that the area lacked essential night-time safety features, such as warning signs, diversion indicators, or crash barriers. The site was also reportedly poorly lit, preventing the rider from spotting the hazard. Upon falling, Jassar was fatally injured by protruding iron rods intended for a bridge pillar. Officials noted that he succumbed to his injuries at the scene as no immediate assistance was available during the night.
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal stated that he has directed the Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority to conduct a formal inquiry into the causes of the accident. “He has been asked to point out lapses, if any. Action will be taken on the basis of any adverse report,” Aggarwal affirmed, adding that the matter will be addressed in the upcoming road safety committee meeting. The DC has demanded a completed report within three days.
While PWD officials maintained that drums and diversions were present at the site, they suggested the rider might have been traveling at a high speed. However, the tragedy was compounded by reports of theft; family members asserted that Jassar’s purse and a gold chain were missing when the body was discovered Monday morning. The lack of identification in the stolen purse initially delayed the police’s ability to notify the family, who were eventually reached via the motorcycle’s registration details.
