Kottayam: Flaws in the construction of a new bridge at Neelimangalam, MC road has claimed the life of a newly married youth on Sunday at 5.45 am. Kaduthuruthy Elavath Ranjin Sebastin (Unni-28) who was also an autorickshaw driver lost control of his vehicle due to the gap on the bridge and collided with a KSRTC bus coming from the opposite side. The autorickshaw was completely collapsed. Ranjin was pulled out of it by the locals. The front of the bus was also destroyed in the accident.

Ranjin was a meat supplier in Kottayam and was returning home after delivering meat in the town. The new bridge was opened in July 2018 even though the construction was completed in 2016. It was decided not to open the bridge after allegations of lapses in its construction. A Bengaluru-based private company conducted the inspection and found a slight curve on the bridge. Later, it was opened on the basis of the inspection report of the expert team from Chennai IIT.

Ranjin tied the knot with Sona from Alappuzha on September 16. On Sunday, Sona's relatives were about to visit Ranjin’s house. He had decided not to go as relatives were arriving on Sunday. However, Ranjin himself was forced to go as he could not find anyone else to replace him. He met with the accident while riding home after work. 

Kottayam Fire Force Senior Fire and Rescue Officer KT Sali led the rescue operation with the help of locals. Ranjin was rushed to Kottayam Medical College Hospital in an army ambulance but could not be rescued.

Ranjin was the son of the late Sebastian and Lucy. His siblings are Ranjith, Ranju and Anju. His funeral ceremony will be held on Monday at 3 pm in Holy Ghost Forane Church cemetery.