Jammu, May 2: Three bodies and two injured persons were recovered after a portion of an old bridge collapsed in the Thuther area of Bantalab on the outskirts of Jammu. The rescue operation, carried out by police, Army, NDRF, SDRF and fire services, continued for around 12 hours through the night.
Officials said the incident occurred when labourers were working on repairs and foundation strengthening of the bridge, which had been damaged in last year’s floods. Four workers were trapped under the debris when a section of the structure suddenly gave way.
One worker was rescued soon after the collapse, while the remaining victims were recovered during the overnight operation. Among the injured is Divisional Fire Officer Mohammad Jaffar, who was hurt after being struck by a boulder during the rescue efforts.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary visited the site and ordered the suspension of two engineers, while directing action against another. The government has also set up a three-member committee to investigate the incident and submit its report within five days
