A road cavity on Bandra’s busy Hill Road that remained loosely covered with a metal plate for nearly 20 days has finally been filled after an accident involving a 79-year-old resident exposed the safety risk to pedestrians. The repair, carried out overnight by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s H West ward, came after Shobha Tendulkar fell into the partially covered opening while crossing the road on Monday, suffering fractures that required surgery. The incident triggered complaints from residents who said the hazard had been left unattended for weeks.
Incident snapshot
Location Hill Road, Bandra
Hazard duration 20 days
Victim Shobha Tendulkar, 79
Injuries Fractured left leg and right big toe
Surgery Performed on Tuesday
Repair Hole filled with tar overnight
What happened
Tendulkar was crossing the road when she stepped onto the metal plate that partly covered the hole, but failed to conceal an exposed gap.
Her brother Vidyut Tendulkar said doctors had to operate on both injured legs.
“After the fall, the doctors told us she would need surgery on both legs, which happened on Tuesday. She is stable now and should be discharged soon,” he said.
Family account
Victim’s niece Karuna Desai, who injured herself while helping Tendulkar, said the accident was avoidable. “This was completely avoidable. If the authorities had fixed the hole without leaving a gap, such an accident would never have happened. The tar is still uneven, but at least the hole has finally been fixed.”
Resident complaints
Neighbour Poonam Choudhary said the temporary cover itself created problems.
“The metal plate made a lot of noise, and the vibrations could be felt inside our building.”
Civic response
Mandar Choudhary, H West ward Assistant Engineer
“There was a lapse in communication as the construction department did not inform the ward about the issue on Hill Road. And in the matter of if any compensation will be provided to the elderly lady, it hasn’t been discussed yet. And I am looking into the matter to see what can be done.”
Ashfaq Khan, assistant engineer Water works
“We had tied a barricade at the site, but it was opened by the public. To prevent further incidents, we have now filled the road and ensured it is safe.”
