Infrastructure – Bridge Collapse in Jammu Leaves Three Workers Dead
Infrastructure – Three labourers lost their lives after being trapped under debris when a section of an under-construction bridge gave way in Jammu, highlighting serious concerns about construction safety standards in the region.
Rescue Operation Concludes with Recovery of Bodies
Emergency teams recovered the bodies of three workers early Saturday morning following an overnight search operation. The men had been trapped after a portion of the bridge structure collapsed on Friday afternoon in the Bantalab area, near the Thathar petrol pump. Officials confirmed that all three victims were originally from Chhattisgarh.
The rescue mission, which involved multiple agencies, continued through the night before concluding with the retrieval of the last body. Authorities stated that the operation formally ended once all missing workers were accounted for.
One Worker Survives, Undergoing Treatment
Among the four labourers caught in the collapse, one was pulled out alive shortly after the incident. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors have reported his condition as stable. Medical staff continue to monitor his recovery closely.
Rescue teams had initially responded swiftly after receiving information about the accident around 3:30 pm on Friday. Their prompt action helped save the lone survivor despite challenging conditions at the site.
Multi-Agency Effort at Accident Site
The operation brought together personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, army units, and civil administration. Heavy machinery was deployed alongside manual efforts to carefully remove debris and locate the trapped workers.
Officials noted that the workers were engaged in repair work on a retaining wall linked to the bridge. This section had reportedly been damaged during flash floods that struck the region last year.
Government Orders Inquiry and Suspensions
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Singh visited the site around midnight to assess the situation and oversee the ongoing rescue work. Following his visit, the government announced immediate disciplinary action against officials responsible for supervising the project.
Two Assistant Executive Engineers and one Junior Engineer have been suspended, while the Executive Engineer in charge has been reassigned pending investigation. Authorities indicated that accountability would be fixed after a detailed probe.
Contractor Under Scrutiny for Safety Compliance
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the investigation would focus on whether proper safety procedures were followed during the repair work. He added that if lapses are found, strict action will be taken against the contractor, including possible blacklisting.
A three-member inquiry committee has been formed to examine all aspects of the collapse. The panel will be led by Engineer Purshotam Kumar, Secretary Technical (Engineer-in-Chief) in the Public Works (R&B) Department.
Broader Concerns Over Construction Safety
The incident has once again drawn attention to safety practices at infrastructure sites, particularly those involving repair work after natural disasters. Experts have often pointed out that such projects require strict adherence to engineering guidelines and regular inspections to prevent accidents.
Authorities are expected to submit a detailed report after the inquiry, which will help determine the exact cause of the collapse and recommend measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.