ALAPPUZHA: A construction company has announced Rs 25 lakh as compensation to the family of Rajesh, a 42-year-old pickup van driver from Ball capswho was killed instantly when two heavy girders collapsed at the In the morning–Thuravoor elevated highway project site in the early hours of Thursday.

The accident occurred around 2.30 a.m. near Chandiroorwhen the 8, 000-kg girders fell on Rajesh’s vehicle, which was transporting eggs from Tamil Nadu to Alappuzha.

Company officials said the compensation cheque will be handed over to local revenue authorities on Friday for disbursement to the bereaved family.

Rajesh is survived by his aged parents, wife, and two children.

“My son was the sole breadwinner in our family. Now we are left orphaned, ” his father said, as shocked locals gathered at the site demanding accountability and threatening to launch a protest if adequate compensation was not provided.

According to a preliminary probe, the incident occurred due to a malfunction in the hydraulic jack used for lifting the girders.