Speedy probe and action must in Metro site mishap case

The metal rod missed the auto by a whisker. Pic/Satej Shinde

It was so near but thankfully, far enough for a rickshaw driver who was travelling via the Western Express Highway. He escaped death very narrowly near Borivali. A metal rod near a Metro station site crashed down on the rickshaw. He has been injured.

An MMRDA official has been quoted in the report stating that a tile had fallen on the rickshaw.

The agency will bear all medical expenses including that of repairing the auto rickshaw.

It is a tepid statement considering somebody nearly lost his life. The agency officials, those who are authorised to speak extensively and not suffocated by the spools of red tape that make it difficult for anybody to give a statement, need to express remorse for the incident. They also have to show solid proof of a probe into what happened and the result of this investigation. This is to repose faith that a very concerted and serious effort is being made to find out what happened and who has erred allowing this metal object to crash down. Is there a possibility and absolute need to put netting around the work site? So that there is safety for citizens and vehicles? If there is, it must come up in double quick time.

The action that takes place must be commensurate with the seriousness of this accident. Just because somebody escaped death, that does not mean it is brushed away or explained away as a minor matter or empty placatory phrases are trotted out. Conciliatory noises are part of the parcel when any such accidents occur.

Today, we see Metro work on at a rapid pace in the city. We cannot afford a repeat at the site, or anywhere else for that matter. That is why it is vital to get to the bottom of this and remedial measures are immediate and effective.