Thodupuzha (Kerala), February 17 A 27-year-old man died after allegedly falling into an open pit on a roadside near Thodupuzha in the Idukki district, police said on Tuesday.
The deceased, identified as Jeys Benny, was a native of Muthalakkodam.
The accident occurred late Monday night when his motorcycle fell into the large pit dug on the side of the road as part of construction work, they said.
Although he was rushed to a nearby hospital, his life could not be saved.
Following the incident, the state Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Mohammed Riyas ordered an investigation into the tragic incident.
He said the deputy chief engineer of the PWD has been tasked with investigating the incident and will take further action after receiving his report.
"Strict measures will be taken if negligence occurred on the part of the Public Works Department," Riyas said.
In CCTV visuals aired by TV channels, the motorcycle was seen falling into the open pit.
According to local residents, the pit has been left open for over a month without adequate safety measures such as barriers or warning signs.
Following the incident, local residents staged a protest at the accident spot, alleging negligence on the part of the PWD.
Workers of the Opposition UDF also protested at the local PWD office demanding action against those responsible.