A tragic accident unfolded in Thodupuzha Monday night when 27-year-old Joys Benny lost control of his motorcycle and fell into an under-construction culvert pit. The incident happened around 10.45 p.m. near Muthalakkodam as he rode towards Thodupuzha. Despite swift hospitalization, Joys succumbed to his injuries. Residents erupted in anger, accusing the Public Works Department (PWD) of negligence for leaving the pit unguarded. Locals said repeated requests to complete the culvert work went ignored. On Tuesday, the United Democratic Front (UDF), led by district panchayat member Manoj Kokkatt, held a six-hour blockade of the PWD assistant executive engineer’s office, demanding a criminal case against responsible officials and compensation for the family. The protest ended after PWD assured that the Executive Engineer would inspect the site and start disciplinary action. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also organized a protest march condemning the PWD’s lapse. PWD officials claimed the pit was dug by municipal authorities for drainage work and said they have instructed the municipality to cover it. Joys Benny, who had worked abroad, was set to return home Wednesday. He is survived by his mother, Bindu, and sister, Anna. His body has been moved to Thodupuzha Taluk Hospital for a post-mortem report.