New Delhi: A 23-year-old JCB operator died after the machine allegedly overturned on Wednesday during a drain cleaning work near Dyal Singh College in south Delhi’s Lodhi Colony.
Police said the work was part of a govt project being executed through Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).On reaching the spot, police found that JCB operator Abhishek (23), a resident of Etah in Uttar Pradesh, had sustained critical injuries after being trapped under the machine. He was taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre by PCR staff, where doctors declared him brought dead.Preliminary inquiry revealed that DMRC had subcontracted the work to a private agency, which had hired Abhishek.
The earthmover was hired from another firm. The machine was pushing debris into a drain approximately 16 feet deep. Due to the unstable and non-reinforced edge of the drain, along with alleged inadequate safety measures, the machine lost balance and overturned into the drain. “By the time the operator was taken out, he was severely injured,” police said.
A case has been registered at Lodhi Colony police station.The contractor is engaged in cleaning work at Sunheri Nullah in south Delhi.
DMRC has ordered an inquiry and promised action. According to DMRC, the backhoe loader operator, engaged by its contractor, accidentally crossed the cutout area while removing debris and sustained fatal injuries. The operator allegedly couldn’t apply the brake in time, causing the front wheel to slip into the cutout, following which the machine tilted and fell, said Anuj Dayal, principal executive director (DMRC).
Both the contractor and DMRC are helping Abhishek’s family.A police officer said investigation was underway to determine the role and responsibility of the contractor and other agencies regarding safety protocols and supervision at the site. Dyal Singh College principal VK Paliwal said, “The site is with DMRC for desilting as per govt orders. We don’t access it at all and have no control over it.”Last May, Municipal Corporation of Delhi told National Green Tribunal that the desilting of the Sunehripul drain, stretching 1.4km and flowing alongside Defence Colony and beneath Lala Lajpat Rai Marg before connecting to Barapullah drain, was assigned to DMRC and New Delhi Municipal Council would fund it.
