One motorist was killed after a portion of steel girders collapsed at a Chennai Metro Rail construction site in Ramapuram on Thursday. The incident occurred when two steel girders collapsed during ongoing work for Phase II of the metro project.
Chennai Metro Rail Confirms Accident
According to the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the girders—installed just a week ago near the L&T head office in Manapakkam—came crashing down after one of their supporting A-frames slipped, leading to the structural failure.
In a press statement, CMRL said, "Two I-girders that had been erected a week ago near the L&T Head office main gate in Manapakkam has collapsed unexpectedly when one of its supporting A-frames gave way by slipping. CMRL along with its contractors are removing the debris on war footing basis to restore traffic movement in the road and investigation will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the collapse."
"It's with regret that we confirm death of one motorcyclist and it is being ascertained whether the motorcycle also had a pillion rider. We express our deepest condolences to the family of the injured deceased. The incident will be enquired into thoroughly," it said.
Emergency teams rushed to the spot soon after the collapse. Debris clearance operations were launched on a priority basis to restore traffic in the affected area.
Chennai Metro Phase II Expansion
The accident comes amid construction of the 26.1-km Corridor 4 line connecting Poonamallee to Light House. The corridor is part of the ambitious Phase II metro expansion. The segment between Poonamallee and Porur is scheduled to open by December this year.
Authorities are now under pressure to ensure stricter safety protocols at construction zones, especially in high-traffic areas.