KOLLAM: The apathy by authorities leaving a culvert open during the construction of a hill highway in Punalur has claimed the life of a youth and left two others injured late on Saturday night. Praveen, 26, son of Prakash, of Praveen Nivas at Neelammal in Karavaloor died in the accident, forcing DYFI workers to launch a road blockade in Punalur.
Praveen's neighbor Ananthu Ramesh, 25, has been admitted in Thiruvananthapuram MCH with grave injuries while Vishnu, 23, of Koppara Veedu at Neelammal has been admitted in Punalur taluk hospital.
The youths were riding triples in a motorcycle that fell into the gorge meant to construct a culvert along the curve of the road. The trio at first tangled in a pipe but later fell into the pit. They were taken out by local residents with the help of fire fighters from Punalur.
Ananthu and Vishnu were heading towards their village in Neelammal from Punalur while Praveen was taken along with them from the wayside. Praveen was returning from his worksite in Marthandam in Tamil Nadu.
Praveen's body was laid to rest on Sunday. He leaves behind his mother Usha and sister Prabha. The DYFI block committee lay siege to the office of PWD assistant executive engineer and blocked the road demanding action against the officers and contractor responsible for the accident.
