A shocking incident occurred at Kooriyad in Kerala on Monday afternoon when a section of the under-construction elevated National Highway 66 collapsed, resulting in injuries to several motorists and severe disruption of traffic in the area.
The collapse, which affected the elevated portion of the highway running across the paddy fields of Kooriyad, saw debris and boulders falling down onto the service road about 30 feet below. Three cars traveling on the service road were damaged, forcing passengers to flee for cover. Fortunately, only six individuals sustained minor injuries in the incident.
Cause of Collapse and Local Concerns
The sudden cave-in caused considerable damage to the service roads, with deep cracks marring both sides of the highway. An earthmover stationed on the elevated section also plummeted during the collapse. Local residents who were quick to raise alarms about the incident, expressed deep concerns about the safety of the highway construction, particularly in the low-lying area of Kooriyad, which they believe has weak structural integrity. This, they warn, could lead to further collapses if not addressed.
Residents had previously voiced their concerns over the quality of construction, especially with the foundations of the highway being in such a flood-prone area. Their fears were compounded by a similar incident last year when rain caused some parts of the elevated highway to collapse.
Traffic Diversions and Restoration Efforts
In response to the collapse, traffic on the National Highway 66 was diverted via VK Padi through Mamburam, while authorities worked to assess the damage. National Highway officials stated that it could take several days to restore full traffic flow along the highway.
Calls for Investigation and Accountability
Local leaders, including K.P.A Majeed, MLA, have demanded an immediate investigation into the incident. Majeed criticized the National Highway authorities for their disregard of public warnings regarding the unscientific construction practices employed in the region. He accused the authorities of neglecting local concerns, particularly about the poor quality of the embankment.
“We had repeatedly warned the authorities about the risks posed by such substandard construction in this low-lying area. Unfortunately, they chose to ignore our concerns. Last year, a similar collapse occurred due to rain, and the authorities failed to take preventive measures,” Majeed said.
Calls for Accountability and Action
BJP State executive member K.K. Surendran also called for a thorough investigation into the incident. He emphasized the need for a high-level team from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to visit the site and determine the cause of the collapse, including whether it was due to poor construction, technical flaws, or sabotage.
“This incident could have been fatal if the motorists had not reacted swiftly. We demand that those responsible be held accountable for this negligence,” Surendran urged.
Looking Ahead
The Kooriyad collapse has raised serious questions about the safety and quality of infrastructure projects in Kerala. While authorities work to restore the National Highway 66, local residents and activists alike are calling for a comprehensive investigation and stricter oversight of future construction projects to prevent further accidents.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will heed the calls for reform and ensure that such an incident is never repeated.
