Motorcyclist dies after falling into pit dug for bridge

Dharashiv:

A 25-year-old youth, Om Dilip Gambhire, who was returning to his village at night after finishing work in Dharashiv city, died after his two-wheeler fell into a pit dug for a bridge near Sanja village on the Dharashiv–Borphal state highway, at around 9.30 pm on Tuesday.

Om Gambhire (Bhandarwadi in Dharashiv tehsil), ran a coffee shop business in the city and regularly commuted between his village and Dharashiv. As usual, he had travelled to the city on his motorcycle on Tuesday morning. After completing his day’s work, he closed his shop at around 9 pm and set off for home.

Between 9.15 pm and 9.30 pm, after crossing Sanja village, he encountered a section where a contractor had begun bridge construction. However, no safety measures had been put in place at the site. Unable to see the pit in the darkness, his motorcycle went straight into the deep excavation. He suffered a severe head injury and died on the spot.

Only son lost

Om was the only son in his family. Bearing family responsibilities, he had started a business in Dharashiv city and managed it while commuting daily from his village. His untimely death has brought immense grief upon his family.

Box

Warning to halt roadwork

As news of the incident spread, residents of Sanja and nearby Sarola, along with passing motorists, gathered at the accident site. Just two to three days earlier, a jeep had fallen into the same pit, leaving four passengers seriously injured. Despite this, no safety measures were implemented by the contractor. Angry locals said that this young man’s death could have been prevented and warned that they would stop the remaining roadwork.