Jammu bridge collapse: Three dead, 2 hurt after portion of damaged structure gives way during repair work
Jammu bridge collapse news: At least three workers died and two others were injured after a portion of an old bridge collapsed during repair work on the outskirts of Jammu, officials said on Saturday.
The incident took place in the Thuther area of Bantalab, where labourers were working on strengthening the structure. The bridge had already been weakened after being damaged in flash floods last year.
According to officials, a part of the bridge suddenly gave way while workers were carrying out foundation and retaining wall work, trapping several labourers under the debris.
Rescue teams from the police, Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force and fire services rushed to the spot and launched a search operation. The effort continued for nearly 12 hours through the night with the help of floodlights.
One injured worker was rescued soon after the collapse on Friday, while the remaining victims were located during the overnight operation. By Saturday morning, three bodies had been recovered and another injured person was pulled out from the debris.
Officials said the injured have been admitted to hospital. Among them is a fire services officer who was hit by a stone during the rescue work.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary reached the site around midnight to assess the situation. After reviewing the initial details, he ordered action against officials responsible for the project.
Two engineers, an assistant executive engineer and a junior engineer, have been suspended, while directions have also been issued for action against another senior engineer. The government has set up a committee to investigate the cause of the collapse and fix responsibility.
The inquiry panel has been asked to submit its report within five days.
- With inputs from agencies
