As the scooter passed through the stretch, it toppled into the unguarded pit. The woman suffered internal injuries, while her son Hrithik Devda (12) sustained a serious head injury and required four stitches. He was rushed to Sector 6 Hospital in Panchkula, where he is undergoing treatment.Residents said the incident occurred in broad daylight, highlighting the scale of the hazard. “If this can happen during the day, imagine the risk at night. This is nothing short of criminal negligence,” said a shopkeeper.Locals alleged that repeated complaints to the Zirakpur municipal council and the sewerage dept yielded no action. Angered by the accident, they staged a protest at the site, demanding accountability and strict action against the officials and contractor responsible.“This was an accident waiting to happen. An innocent child was hurt because authorities couldn’t secure a basic safety measure,” a resident said, adding that the spot had remained a danger zone for weeks.Jasbir Singh of the sewerage board, Zirakpur, said, “The sewer pipeline work is completed, and interlocking tiles are being installed. If an open pit was left at the site, we will seek an explanation from the contractor and ensure safety tape is put up immediately.”However, residents said post-incident measures cannot undo the damage and demanded compensation for the injured family and a comprehensive safety audit of all civic work sites in the town.The incident has once again raised questions over monitoring of public works and whether civic agencies are prioritising deadlines over public safety.Taking serious note of the accident, deputy commissioner Komal Mittal ordered a formal enquiry. “A four-member committee has been constituted to enquire into the incident and submit a report within three days,” the DC said. The committee, headed by the joint deputy director (Urban Development), has been tasked with conducting a site inspection, reviewing the role of the contractor and departments concerned, fixing responsibility, and recommending action against those found negligent.
