A construction mishap ended on a devastating note in Jammu’s Bantalab area, as an under-construction bridge collapsed on Friday, the police reported on Saturday. Three workers were killed in the incident, while one of them sustained injuries. 

One survivor pulled from debris

According to officials aware of the incident, as many as four workers were trapped beneath the collapsed structure. Rescue teams rushed to the scene upon receipt of the information, and managed to pull out one of the trapped labourers alive. Bodies of three other workers, who were killed, were later recovered from the wreckage. 

Jammu’s Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary expressed grief over the loss of lives and said that rescue efforts were underway. His statement read, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of three lives. Four people were trapped; three have died and one has been rescued safely. Rescue operations are ongoing. This tragedy is beyond condemnation.” 

2 officials suspended, contractor to be blacklisted

After the incident, the state government initiated disciplinary action against the ones held responsible for the incident. Choudhary informed that two officials have been suspended, while another has been attached pending investigation. He added that a probe has been ordered into the incident, and the contractor involved in the project shall be blacklisted. 

BJP MLA weighs in 

Earlier, an MLA from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Sham Lal Sharma indicated that structural vulnerabilities as well as ongoing repair work may have contributed to the collapse. He underscored that the bridge was quite old undergoing foundation strengthening. He remarked, “This is an old bridge, and its foundation has been exposed. A tender had been issued and the work to reinforce it was in progress. Excavation work may have been carried out, and vibrations caused by vehicular movement may have resulted in the collapse.” 

The authorities have launched a probe to ascertain the exact cause behind the collapse. The experts shall examine whether lapses in construction practices, structural instability or external factors played a role in the incident.

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