2 injured as OHT collapses in Ramgarh; probe ordered

Govt orders safety assessment of all PHE, I&FC structures

JAMMU: Two persons were injured when an over head tank (OHT) collapsed in Samba district, prompting authorities to order a magisterial inquiry into the incident even as the government ordered a comprehensive safety assessment of all PHE, irrigation and flood control structures in Jammu and Kashmir to prevent such incidents.

The OHT, constructed for storing water, collapsed on a residential house at village Zarda of Ramgarh, on Saturday, an official spokesman said.

“Medical and security teams immediately rushed to the site. Both the injured were immediately evacuated to Ramgarh hospital where they were given first aid before being shifted to GMC Jammu for further treatment hospital,” Sub Divisional Magistrate Vijaypur, Vijay Kumar Sharma informed.

Both the patients are stable and their alternate residential arrangement has also been done, he added.

Deputy Commissioner Samba, Sushma Chauhan informed that a magisterial inquiry team has been ordered to probe into the OHT collapse which shall be headed by Additional District Development Commissioner Samba, Arvind Kotwal along with Superintendent Engineer Udhampur and Tehsildar Ramgarh as its members.

Advisor to Governor, K K Sharma today ordered for undertaking a comprehensive safety assessment of all PHE, irrigation and flood control structures in the State so that the incidents of the type which occurred in Samba district can be check.

Similarly, the DC Samba also directed heads of Roads and buildings, Public Health Engineering, and Power Development Departments to conduct a fresh survey of each government building including schools, offices, electric poles and submit their viability report for further course of action.