An excavator operator was killed, and another individual was injured when a decorative arch near the Mattuthavani MGR bus stand collapsed during its demolition late Wednesday night. The incident occurred while efforts were underway to dismantle the Nakkeeran decorative arch, which was built in 1981, to address increasing traffic congestion in the area, as mandated by a court order.
The demolition began late at night, and while the excavator operator, identified as Nagalingam (21) from Ulakkani village, was working to remove the structure, the arch unexpectedly collapsed onto the excavator. Nagalingam became trapped under the debris and was declared dead at the scene despite extensive rescue efforts.
The contractor overseeing the demolition, Nallathambi from Sambakulam, was also injured and taken to the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) for treatment. Fortunately, thanks to traffic diversions in place during the operation, no other injuries were reported. City Corporation Commissioner Chithra Vijayan visited the site, and police have filed a case while investigations continue into the cause of the collapse.