Jammu: The death toll in the bridge collapse incident at Bantalab on the outskirts of Jammu rose to three on Saturday after rescue teams recovered three bodies from the debris of a partially collapsed old bridge following a 12-hour overnight operation.
Officials said two persons were rescued in injured condition after a portion of the under-repair bridge collapsed late Friday in the Thuther area of Bantalab, where labourers were carrying out retaining wall and foundation work on the bridge damaged in last year’s flash floods.
Police, Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Fire and Emergency Services launched a massive rescue operation under floodlights throughout the night.
The first worker rescued was identified as Tarsem Lal. Another injured person, Divisional Fire Officer Mohammad Jaffar, was also hospitalised after being hit by a boulder during the rescue operation.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary rushed to the spot at midnight and ordered immediate action against officials found responsible.
He announced the suspension of Assistant Executive Engineer Sahil Verma and Junior Engineer Sajad Mir, while directions were also issued for the attachment of the Executive Engineer concerned.
“I have ordered the suspension of the Assistant Executive Engineer and the Junior Engineer. Directions have also been issued for the attachment of the Executive Engineer,” the Deputy CM told reporters.
He further directed that a detailed inquiry into the collapse be completed within five days.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also ordered a separate probe into the incident and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of three workers.
In his condolence message, Omar Abdullah prayed for eternal peace for the deceased workers and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed anguish over the tragedy.
“Extremely anguished by the loss of lives due to bridge collapse in Bantalab, Jammu. I offer my deepest condolences to bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the Office of the Lt Governor said in a post on X.
The government has also constituted a three-member inquiry committee headed by Purshotam Kumar, Secretary Technical (Engineer-in-Chief), Public Works (R&B) Department, to investigate the circumstances leading to the collapse.
The incident has raised serious concerns over construction safety and accountability, especially as the bridge was already under repair after being damaged in flash floods last year.
