In the early hours of Sunday, a biker was killed in an unsecured 4-foot-deep pit alongside VIP Road close to Orbit Apartments.
Sunil Kumar, 28, a resident of Chandigarh’s Sector 33-B, died when his bike slid into an open pit without a warning sign being present.
According to sources, the pit was excavated by Municipal Council (MC) employees two to three months ago in an effort to uncover manholes hidden beneath the interlocking tiles. Officials from MC denied the accusation.
After the event, the crater was hurriedly filled with soil, but the location still represents a safety issue as loose earth would lead to slippery conditions in case of rain. At night, two-wheeler riders often be taken off guard suddenly at the area.
Residents in the community estimated that the pit had been there for two to three months. Because of the area’s poor lighting, the biker probably missed it at around 4 in the morning.
The deceased, a bicycle taxi driver, was coming home after dropping off a client close by. Passersbys were alarmed on hearing a thud and saw a biker in a blood of pool. He was bleeding profusely due to head injuries. He was rushed to the hospital where doctors declared him dead.
“It is a sad state of affairs here. The pit, which has been filled today, could have been filled earlier too. After a priceless life was lost, it was done. Only the family is aware of the loss of a loved one. Others say this is standard procedure,” said a bike taxi rider who called up the ambulance and police after the incident.
