Elderly Man Drowns in Abandoned Quarry at Karukutty Near Angamaly
An 80-year-old resident died on Wednesday after falling into a pit lake inside an abandoned quarry at Karukutty near Angamaly. The incident took place on the victim’s family property, where a defunct quarry pit had accumulated deep water over several years.
What Happened
According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Angamaly police, the deceased has been identified as Varghese K.V., a resident of Kooranthazathuparambil in Karukutty. Authorities suspect that Varghese accidentally slipped and fell into the quarry lake while engaged in cutting grass on the premises.
Local ward member Shaju Melappilly stated that Varghese was suspected to have visited the location to clear wild growth around a motor pump that had been installed to pump water from the quarry pit. Following the fall, Varghese was rushed to the Angamaly taluk hospital, where medical personnel declared him brought dead.
Key Highlights
- Victim: 80-year-old Varghese K.V. of Karukutty.
- Location: An abandoned quarry situated within his family property near Angamaly.
- Circumstances: Police suspect he slipped into the pit while cutting grass and clearing bushes around a motor pump.
- Quarry Conditions: The quarry has remained dysfunctional for years and holds accumulated water up to a depth of around 20 feet.
- Medical Response: He was taken to the Angamaly taluk hospital, where he was declared brought dead.
Why This Matters
The tragedy highlights persistent concerns regarding safety hazards associated with defunct stone quarries. According to local observations, the quarry in question has remained unoperational for years and holds water measuring approximately 20 feet in depth. While a compound wall already separates the residential plot from the quarry basin, abandoned sites with steep drop-offs and standing water continue to present significant risks to nearby residents.
What to Watch Next
Attention turns to preventive safety measures proposed in the area. According to local ward representative Shaju Melappilly, the local panchayat has proposed a project to construct a protective wall around sections of the quarry that are accessible from a nearby road. Follow-ups will focus on the execution of these municipal safety barriers and the completion of official police formalities regarding the FIR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the victim of the incident?
The victim was identified as 80-year-old Varghese K.V., a resident of Kooranthazathuparambil in Karukutty.
How did the accident occur?
According to the Angamaly police FIR, Varghese is suspected to have slipped into the water while cutting grass. The local ward member noted he was likely clearing bush around a motor pump installed near the pit lake.
What are the dimensions and conditions of the quarry?
The quarry is located on the family’s property, has been dysfunctional for years, and holds accumulated water up to an estimated depth of 20 feet.
Were any safety barriers planned for the quarry?
A compound wall currently divides the plot from the quarry, and the local panchayat has previously proposed a project to build a protective wall along portions accessible from a road nearby.
Source: The Hindu