Contractor draws ire after second Dabolim death

Vasco:

A scooterist lost his life late Wednesday evening after he plunged into a pit that was excavated for the purpose of constructing a pillar for the flyover project at Dabolim.Maruti Jadhav, 46, was proceeding to his residence at Alto-Dabolim between 10.30 and 11pm on his scooter, when he accidentally fell into the pit near the naval armament depot. He was rushed to the Chicalim sub-district hospital, but succumbed to his injuries on admission.The incident has raised serious concerns among motorists who use the four-lane highway on a daily basis. They said the area has become a death trap that has now claimed two lives.

The first victim was an employee of the electricity department who died on the spot after a metal barricade erected to cover up the excavated pit collapsed on him. In yet another incident, a four-wheeler proceeding from Dabolim airport plunged into the pit.

Luckily, no casualties were reported.Citizens have accused the contractor for failing to put in place adequate security measures at the construction site.“It is due to the negligence of the contractor that innocent people are losing their lives. Despite several requests by the people to erect proper signage, the contractor has failed to make any such provisions at the excavated portion of the road,” social activist Pratap Mardolkar, said.The contractor, however, maintained that all the necessary precautions have been taken, including the setting up of proper signage for traffic diversion. He also said the pit was barricaded from all sides.