A man died after an iron rod pierced through his abdomen when he fell into an under-construction drain in Gorakhpur, according to eyewitnesses. Witnesses said the victim remained in severe pain for nearly five minutes before he died.
The incident triggered panic in the area as local residents rushed to the spot and informed the police and ambulance services.
According to local accounts, drain construction work was underway along the roadside and adequate safety arrangements were not in place. During this time, the man reportedly lost balance and fell into the drain, where he was struck by an exposed iron rod.
Residents of Gorakhpur said the accident was so severe that people present at the site were left shaken. The injured man continued screaming in pain, but rescuing him immediately proved difficult.
Some people attempted to save him, but his condition deteriorated rapidly because of the serious injuries. He died before he could be taken to hospital.
Following the incident, the administration took action and suspended the concerned Junior Engineer (JE), citing negligence. Officials have also ordered an investigation into the matter.
Questions have previously been raised in Uttar Pradesh regarding alleged disregard for safety standards during construction work. Local residents said exposed iron rods and construction work without barricading continue to create accident risks.
The victim’s family members demanded strict action against those responsible and sought compensation.
The incident also triggered anger on social media, where several users questioned alleged administrative negligence and inadequate safety arrangements.
The Gorakhpur administration said the safety arrangements at the construction site are being examined and action will be taken against those found responsible.
Experts said barricading, warning boards and safety equipment should be mandatory at construction sites, adding that even minor negligence can prove fatal.
The administration is continuing its investigation into the incident.
