Residents alleged that the tragedy was waiting to happen ever since the municipality raised the road level and paved it with interlocking tiles without installing adequate safety measures.
Residents also pointed out that a similar accident had nearly occurred around eight months ago when a car crashed into the same wall, though it did not fall into the property below. Following the incident, representations were reportedly submitted to the municipality seeking safety measures.
Ayesha Subair, councillor of the ward, NGO Quarters, said complaints regarding the site had been raised even before the fatal accident. “During the tenure of the previous councillor, residents had sought the installation of a handrail.
An estimate was prepared, but the proposal did not materialise. After I assumed office, residents again requested that safety measures be taken, and a work order for installing handrails had already been issued. The work was delayed due to the rain, and the accident happened before it could be carried out,” she said.