Motorcyclist dies after plunging into bridge pit in Amreli

Rajkot: A 30-year-old man died and his cousin was seriously injured after their motorcycle plunged into an unguarded put at an under-construction bridge in Khambha taluka of Amreli district, prompting police to book the contractor for alleged negligence.

The fatal accident occurred on Monday night on the Dedan-Raydi road, where Rahul Dhadhal was riding with his cousin, Ghanshyam Vala, when the motorcycle fell into a ditch that was left open, police said.

Ghanshyam, 22, a resident of a village in Khambha taluka, later filed a complaint at Khambha police station against the contractor responsible. The case has been registered under Sections 105 and 110 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to the FIR, the cousins were heading to Dedan village for refreshments when they passed the under-construction bridge between Dedan and Raydi villages. The road stretch was dusty and uneven, and visibility was poor due to darkness.

Rahul allegedly mistook the excavation area for a road bump as there were no diversion boards, reflectors, barricades or warning signs, the complaint said. Their motorcycle then plunged into the ditch.

Both riders were thrown off the vehicle. Ghanshyam suffered severe head injuries and a fracture in his right leg and lost consciousness, while Rahul suffered critical injuries.

After regaining consciousness, Ghanshyam called a relative, Dilip, who arranged emergency help. Both men were rushed to hospital, where Rahul was declared dead. After the postmortem, his body was handed over to his family.

Police said further investigation was underway to determine responsibility for the alleged safety lapses at the construction site.