27-Year-Old Man Dies After Falling Into Open Roadside Pit In Kerala

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 18:28 IST

Jeys Benny died after his two-wheeler plunged into an open pit near Thodupuzha, sparking protests amid recurring similar tragedies in Delhi and Noida.

A 27-year-old man died after allegedly falling into an open roadside pit near Thodupuzha in Idukki district, police said on Tuesday.

The incident took place on late Monday night when the two-wheeler of Jeys Benny, a native of Muthalakkodam, plunged into the large pit dug on the side of the road as part of the construction work, officials said. Though he was rushed to a nearby hospital, he died, they said.

According to the locals, the pit had been open for over a month without adequate safety measures such as barricades or warning signs.

As the incident triggered protest at the accident spot, state Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Mohammed Riyas ordered a probe into the matter.

The workers of the Opposition UDF also staged protests at the local PWD office demanding action against those responsible.

PTI quoted him saying that the deputy chief engineer of the PWD has been entrusted with a probe into the incident and will take further action after receiving his report.

“Stringent measures will be taken if the negligence happened from the side of the Public Works Department," Riyas said.

The incident was captured on CCTV which showed the two-wheeler plunging straight into the deep, unprotected pit.

Also Read: Days After Janakpuri Biker’s Death, Bihar Labourer Dies After Falling Into Open Drain In Rohini

This comes days after similar incidents happened in Delhi.

A labourer died after he fell into an open drain in Delhi’s Rohini. Previously, a biker lost his life after plunging into an uncovered construction pit in west Delhi’s Janakpuri.

Last week, a three-year-old boy died after drowning in a water-filled pit in Greater Noida’s Dalelgarh village, triggering fresh outrage among residents.

Also Read: 3-Year-Old Drowns In Open Pit In Greater Noida, Locals Claim Repeated Warnings Went Unheard

Villagers claimed they had repeatedly complained to the Greater Noida Authority about the dangerous site, particularly after recent drowning incidents elsewhere in the region, but no preventive action was taken. They alleged that waterlogging after rains had turned the deep excavation into a deadly trap.

In January, a 27-year-old software engineer died after his car plunged into a water-filled construction pit in Noida’s Sector 150, an incident that led to administrative action and an investigation after authorities found the site lacked proper fencing and safety measures.

Reports later revealed the hazardous water body had existed for years despite warnings and complaints.

Within days of that case, an 11-year-old boy in neighbouring Ghaziabad also died after falling into an open drain near his home, highlighting recurring civic negligence across the region.

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