Iron Sheet Falls from Ulhasnagar Skywalk, Injuring Two
A heavy iron sheet detached from a skywalk in Ulhasnagar, injuring a motorcyclist and an auto-rickshaw driver.
Two individuals were injured when an iron sheet fell from a skywalk in Ulhasnagar.
The skywalk, built in 2008, has faced neglect since its maintenance contract expired in 2015.
Authorities are urged to conduct an inquiry and audit for public safety.
On Saturday, a significant safety incident occurred in Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra, when a heavy iron sheet dislodged from a skywalk and struck two individuals below. The victims, a motorcyclist and an auto-rickshaw driver, sustained minor injuries but fortunately avoided serious harm. This alarming event took place near the railway station, an area known for its high volume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
The skywalk in question, which has been in place for 18 years, is currently slated for demolition. However, the immediate risk it poses remains a concern for local residents. Following the incident, there have been calls for a thorough investigation by local authorities to assess the safety of the structure and ensure proper maintenance moving forward.
The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) oversees the skywalk, which was originally constructed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) in 2008. Since the expiration of the maintenance contract in 2015, the skywalk has experienced significant neglect and vandalism, raising alarms about its structural integrity.
In light of the recent incident, community members have expressed their frustration, urging the UMC to prioritize public safety. The UMC General Body has already approved plans for the complete demolition of both the East and West Ulhasnagar skywalks as part of a larger initiative to improve traffic management in the area. This initiative, known as the Station Area Traffic Improvement Scheme (SATIS), aims to enhance the surroundings of the railway station and facilitate better traffic flow.
Looking ahead, the demolition of the skywalks is expected to commence soon, as the city prepares for the SATIS project. Local authorities are under pressure to ensure that safety measures are implemented to prevent further incidents, and residents are hopeful for a more secure environment in the future.
