Narrow escape for 3 as SUV falls into pit

Tribune News Service

Mohali, February 8

Three commuters had a narrow escape when their SUV, in which they were travelling, fell into a 10-foot-deep pit, dug up to repair the storm water drainage system in Mohali on Thursday night.

The SUV was completely damaged. However, the commuters received minor injuries due to the protection of air bags. The commuters, who did not wish to be named, said they were coming from Landran at 10.30 pm. When they reached at the crossing near Preet City, the driver suddenly realised that the road had been dug up. He applied brakes but the vehicle skidded and fell into the pit.

The road was dug up by GMADA to repair the storm water drainage system. The pit was left open due to the interruption caused by the downpour. No warning or caution boards was installed around the site. Sunil Kansal, Chief Engineer, GMADA, said he was out of the city and would ask his subordinate to look into the matter.

Councillor Surinder Singh Roda said many vehicles had fallen in the pit in the past a few days, causing injuries to commuters. He said he had written several times to GMADA to fill the pit but nothing was done. Former councillor Sukhminder Singh Barnala said the GMADA authorities were making one excuse after another instead of filling the pit. He said the authorities concerned should be held responsible, if any serious mishap took place.