Infrastructure – Bridge Deck Collapse Injures Seven Workers in Visakhapatnam
Infrastructure – At least seven labourers were injured on Sunday after a portion of an under-construction road overbridge gave way in the Gajuwaka area of Visakhapatnam.
Incident Occurs During Midday Construction Activity
The accident took place near Tunglam when concrete slabs forming part of the bridge deck collapsed between two pillars. According to early reports, the structure failed between the third and fourth supports while work was in progress. As the incident happened around lunchtime, only a limited number of workers were present at the site, which likely reduced the scale of injuries.
The injured workers have been identified as Buddheshwar, Bose, Ajit, Dinesh, Tushar, Pratap and Uday. They were immediately transported to a nearby private hospital. Medical staff treating them confirmed that several of the men suffered fractures and other serious injuries, though all are currently receiving care.
Project Details and Construction Responsibility
Officials indicated that the road overbridge is being built under the supervision of the Roads and Buildings Department. Financial support for the project is reportedly being provided by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation and the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation.
Initial findings suggest that the collapse occurred during the decking phase, a critical stage in bridge construction when slabs are placed over support structures. Authorities are now examining whether there were any lapses in construction practices, material quality, or safety protocols.
Railways Clarify Non-Involvement
Soon after the incident, railway authorities issued a clarification to address concerns about possible involvement. In an official statement, they confirmed that the collapsed structure is not connected to any railway work. The overbridge is located away from railway tracks and falls entirely under state government jurisdiction. Officials also reassured that railway infrastructure in the vicinity remains unaffected.
Government Orders Immediate Review
Following the accident, state Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha held discussions with local police officials to assess the situation. She emphasized the importance of ensuring proper medical attention for the injured workers and called for strict adherence to safety measures at construction sites.
Minister for Roads and Buildings BC Janardhan Reddy also took note of the incident and directed senior अधिकारियों to conduct a detailed inquiry. He instructed them to visit the site, evaluate the circumstances that led to the collapse, and submit a comprehensive report.
Senior Engineers Assigned to Investigate
Several high-ranking engineering officials have been tasked with examining the site and determining the cause of the failure. These include National Highways Engineering-in-Chief Ramachandra, R&B Quality Control Chief Engineer Seshu Kumar, and Anakapalli Executive Engineer Sambasiva Rao. Their findings are expected to play a key role in identifying accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Police Begin Formal Investigation
Local police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the accident. Authorities are expected to review construction records, safety compliance measures, and contractor responsibilities as part of the probe.
Focus on Accountability and Safety
The state government has made it clear that strict action will be taken against those found responsible if negligence is established. The incident has once again raised concerns about safety standards at large infrastructure projects and the need for rigorous monitoring during critical construction phases