A large pole — part of a viaduct structure for the Namma Metro line to the airport — fell off a truck and crushed an autorickshaw near Kogilu Cross in Bengaluru on April 14, 2025. The 35-year-old autorickshaw driver was killed.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
A 35-year-old autorickshaw driver was killed in an accident during the construction of the Namma Metro line to the airport in Bengaluru late on April 14 night. A large pole — part of a viaduct structure — fell off a truck and crushed the autorickshaw near Kogilu Cross.
The victim has been identified as Qasim Saab. According to the police, the accident took place around midnight when an 18-wheel truck transporting construction material from the Vadiyarpura casting yard lost balance while turning near Kogilu Junction at Yelahanka. The truck was carrying a girder, which slipped and fell onto Qasim’s moving autorickshaw, killing him on the spot.
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) issued a statement on April 15, confirming the incident. “BMRCL regrets to report a fatal accident that cost the life of an auto driver, who was killed in an unfortunate incident around 12 a.m. last night,” read the statement.
The statement further explained that the girder-laden truck had to brake suddenly to avoid a vehicle that had unexpectedly entered its path. This caused the girder to topple onto the autorickshaw. “Emergency services were pressed into action immediately, and the driver’s body was recovered using cranes. However, he was declared dead by medical personnel,” according to the statement.
BMRCL has assured that the family of the deceased will be compensated as per protocol.
The local police have registered a case and are trying to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
Published – April 16, 2025 11:56 am IST
