Peanut seller hit by falling slab of partially built flyover, dies

Guwahati: A huge concrete slab from a flyover under construction on NH-2 broke off a pillar on Wednesday morning when the cable of a crane snapped, crushing a 34-year-old peanut seller in Assam’s Kamrup district under its weight .The deceased, identified as Fulachand Ali (34), a resident of Khandigadh village in Baksa district, was passing through the partially built flyover at Baihata Chariali in Kamrup district when the incident took place around 10.30am.DIG Partha Sarathi Mahanta, who rushed to the accident spot, said police will register a case and investigate it from all angles, including the adherence to safety norms by the road construction agency and the contractors.“Actions as per law will be initiated if any negligence or lapse is found against anyone. The National Highways Authority of India and the construction agency concerned have been asked to ensure adherence to all safety norms,” he added. He further said the allegation of the use of substandard materials in construction will be probed by the civil administration. The body crushed under the slab was retrieved by a team of NDRF by cutting through the slab. Later, the body was sent for post-mortem exam. Locals alleged non-adherence to safety norms by the construction company saying that the agencies should carry on heavy work at night as public movement remains higher during day time.