The potholes on the Mannuthy-Wadakkanchery National Highway stretch claimed one more life on Thursday.
A two-wheeler rider was run over at Kuthiran by a trailer lorry after he fell on the road around 9.30 a.m. Eyewitnesses said he lost control over the vehicle after it hit a pothole on the road.
The deceased was identified as Murali, 52, of Wadakkanchery. Murali, employed at a welding workshop at Thrissur, was going to work.
Congress workers led by Pananchary block committee president K.P. Abhilash blockaded the road demanding urgent intervention of authorities to repair the National Highway stretch.
Traffic was hit on the Thrissur-Palakkad National Highway following the accident.
With the advent of monsoon, huge potholes have formed at various sections on the National Highway such as Mannuthy, Mudikkode, Peechi, Road, Chemboothra, Pattikkad, and Vazhukkumpara.
Accidents the norm
Motorists are having a tough time negotiating the stretch, with many involved in accidents.
The Kerala High Court has sought an explanation from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the police on the rampant traffic block on the stretch.
“None of the safety measures ordered by the Kerala High Court has been maintained on the National Highway. Lack of proper maintenance has created huge craters on the road, which is causing accidents. In all, 52 people died in the last five years alone in accidents,” said DCC general secretary Shaji Kodankandath in his petition to the District Police Chief.
K. Rajan, MLA, said a case of murder should be charged against the NHAI and the contract company engaged in construction of the highway in connection with death of the motorist.
“The construction of highway from Mannuthy to Wadakkanchery is unscientific. As natural water canals had been closed unscientific ones had been created, leading to flooding in the area. Acres of crops have been destroyed,” he said.
The failure for timely repair of the road is the main cause of accidents, he added.
