Hoarding collapse deaths: Locals block NH in Bhubaneswar, demand justice

A tragic incident in Bhubaneswar has triggered widespread protests after two people lost their lives yesterday when a hoarding collapsed. In response, grieving family members and hundreds of incensed locals staged a road blockade on Wednesday near Aiginia in the Capital City, demanding accountability and action. Vehicular movement was stalled on the national highway.

Also Read: Hoarding collapse during rain claims man’s life in Bhubaneswar

The deceased have been identified as Sachidananda Pradhan and Surendra Gouda.

According to sources, the demonstrators obstructed the NH, bringing vehicular movement to a complete halt on both sides for hours. The blockade caused significant disruption, with traffic stranded for long stretches as tensions mounted in the area.

Authorities are yet to issue a detailed statement regarding the protest, while locals continue to demand justice and stricter safety measures to prevent such mishaps in the future.

“We repeatedly told them (the local administration) our boy was here, we tracked him (on mobile), please look. But they kept saying, ‘no one is here, you go away, go away, there’s no such boy here’. We even showed them the photo—the photo of my brother, who was a college student. He must be nearby, we told them,” elder sister of one of the deceased said.

“Even then, they didn’t bring him out. We searched at AIIMS for four hours and then came back here, and only then did they (some locals) pull him out. By then, the boy had died. Is this all not due to a negligent attitude? What else is it if not negligence? What about people's safety? Two people each have died yesterday and today,” the protestor stated.

“They didn't know it was the season for Nor'wester (Kalbaisakhi)? Why was such a massive hoarding put up? Why did people have to die today? It’s not just one place; there are hoardings all over the city. My brother won’t come back now,” the agitator added.

Meanwhile, Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia has been announced in the hoarding collapse death incident. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed grief over the tragic incident at Aiginia in Bhubaneswar. The next of kin of both deceased will receive Rs 4 lakh each. The CM directed that the ex-gratia be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).

Reported By: Arun Kumar Sahu