CHENNAI: Even before completing a week’s operation, the Chennai Metro Rail ran into a controversy on Sunday evening, when a large and heavy sliding gate at the parking lot entrance of the Koyambedu station fell on a security guard standing nearby. The incident could have ended in a tragedy as it happened minutes after a child and his mother passed through the gate.
The heavy gate fell suddenly on the left leg of 52-year-old Krishnan, the guard, who is from Arakkonam. Hearing his screams, onlookers hurried to the place and helped remove the gate. None of the Metro Rail officials came to the spot even as Krishnan continued to wail in pain. His demand for water was quenched by the woman whose child was a few feet away from the spot when the incident occurred.
The incident was witnessed by this photojournalist, who was just about to leave the parking lot after visiting the Metro Rail station. By-standers called the 108 ambulance service to take Krishnan to hospital and suspected that his leg could have fractured.
He was later admitted to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital where he was treated for external injuries, 108 officials said. The gate was put back in its original position after the melee which led to apprehension among the public that it may fall again. When contacted, the Chennai Metro Rail’s official spokesperson denied any knowledge about the incident and declined to comment.
The incident happened on a day when a large number of Chennaiites, particularly families, flocked to the Metro Rail to enjoy the ride.
