Overview
- A concrete segment slipped from a launching machine at Package-15 in Jakh, Samba, on Tuesday, Aug 25, crushing 25-year-old Gotam Sahu and injuring another worker.
- A three-member NHAI expert team inspected the site and reported prima facie that a technical snag during the launching operation caused the accident while a detailed forensic examination continues.
- NHAI has paid immediate compensation of ₹10 lakh to the deceased’s next of kin, offered assistance including employment, and said corrective and preventive measures will be put in place before affected work resumes.
- A separate accident at the Sidhra Package-18 site on the same day killed labourer Budhi Singh after an overloaded truck hit temporary staging for a freshly cast pier cap, raising concerns about site traffic controls and temporary works safety.
- On-site labourers accused contractors of fleeing and of inadequate safety measures, and police have taken cognisance as authorities increase scrutiny of contractor oversight and launch procedures.