GUWAHATI: A hydra crane operator was killed and two others injured on the morning of Monday, June 29, after a truck rammed into a hydra crane engaged in street light installation work on National Highway 27 near the Radisson Blue Hotel in Jalukbari, Guwahati.
The hydra crane was deployed for ongoing street light work on the highway when the speeding truck collided with it. The operator of the hydra crane died on the spot. Two others sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
In a deeply concerning turn, the driver of the truck and his handyman fled the scene immediately after the crash, abandoning the victims without rendering any assistance, a clear case of hit and run.
Police have registered a case and launched a search for the absconding accused. The truck's registration details are expected to aid in tracking them down.
While talking to GPlus, a senior traffic police official confirmed that the fatality remains one as of now and the search for the truck driver and handyman is on.
The incident has raised serious questions about the safety of workers carrying out maintenance on live national highways.
The Jalukbari stretch of NH 27 is a known accident-prone zone in Guwahati.
Authorities have been urged to ensure proper barricading and traffic warnings at all active work sites on the highway.