Retd teacher killed as centering sheet falls on him

A centering sheet kept at an apartment complex being constructed by a leading builder in Amruthnagar ‘C’ Sector was blown off by gusty winds, and crashed on a retired schoolteacher who was taking a walk on Wednesday morning. He died in hospital later. 

Another senior citizen, walking near the site, was injured when another sheet crashed on her. 

One of the sheets crashed on William D’Souza, 64, a retired schoolteacher, while another pounded Apollina Rodriguez, 70.  D’Souza injured his chest, abdomen and limbs. Rodriguez hurt her shoulders and hands. The duo was taken to a nearby hospital where D’Souza failed to respond to treatment. Rodriguez is, however, said to be out of danger, the police said. 

Laxity blamed

Alan Lyod, D’Souza’s friend and neighbour for over 10 years, blamed laxity on the part of the of the builder, the Brigade Group, for the accident. “An accident was waiting to happen ever since the Brigade Group began constructing the apartment a year ago,” he told Deccan Herald.

“They failed to take safety measures. The centering sheets were to be used in construction but were dumped on the eighth floor. They were just waiting to be forced off by strong winds.” 

D’Souza and Rodriguez, both neighbours, had left for a walk around 9.30 am, the police said. 

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “The construction workers dump all kind of debris anywhere they like. If we try to reason with them, they threaten us. As they (the builder) are powerful, we avoid any kind of confrontation with them.

At least now the police should act against them for their callous attitude which has claimed a life. Since it is a residential area, many children play here. The police should make sure the builder takes precautions and that such incidents do not recur.” 

A case of negligence has been registered against the supervisors of the building at the Amruthahalli police station.