PWD report: Min seeks more clarity

Thiruvananthapuram: PWD minister PA Mohamed Riyas is learnt to have returned the report filed by PWD vigilance wing on Koolimadu bridge, the work of which was stopped following collapse of its three beams on May 16, seeking more clarity. It is reliably learnt that the report said the beams collapsed either due to human error or mechanical failure.
The minister asked PWD’s vigilance to clarify whether it was human error or mechanical failure that led to the mishap. If it was human error, it should also be found whether there were enough skilled workers available at the worksite when the incident occurred, he said. It is also learnt that Riyas sought a clarification if necessary safety precautions were taken when the incident happened.
The bridge construction was undertaken by Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS). It is learnt that the report contained remarks against the contractor as well as PWD officials who had responsibility at the work site.
The assistant executive engineer and assistant engineer, who were in charge of the construction, were absent at the worksite when the incident happened. The work was progressing in the presence of labourers, the report is learnt to have said.
The bridge across the Chaliyar connects Kozhikode and Malappuram. The incident occurred when 90% of the work on the bridge had been completed.
dWhile attempting to fix the beams, one of the hydraulic jacks malfunctioned and three of the beams fell down. While one fell down into the river, two beams partially fell into the river.