A horrifying incident unfolded in Palanpur town in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district when a portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed, resulting in a fatality. The tragedy occurred near the RTO check post, where six recently installed concrete girders or slabs on the bridge pillars gave way, claiming the life of an individual.
Banaskantha Collector Varunkumar Baranwal provided details, stating that a person, captured on CCTV footage, abandoned his autorickshaw upon realizing the impending collapse. Despite attempting to flee to safety, he was tragically crushed under the massive concrete slabs.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that there might be two more individuals trapped in the debris, as a tractor was also crushed along with the autorickshaw.
“This bridge is a crucial railway overpass connecting Ambaji with Palanpur. Following the collapse of the six girders, we initiated a search and rescue operation. Presently, one body has been recovered. It is challenging to determine how many more individuals might be trapped. Our teams are diligently working to clear the debris,” stated Collector Baranwal.
The construction of the bridge had been ongoing for some time, with the collapsed girders having been installed on the pillars just a week before the incident. However, these girders had not yet been securely tied to the structure, raising concerns about the safety protocols observed during the construction process.
Rescue operations are underway as authorities work tirelessly to clear the wreckage and ensure the safety of any potential survivors. Investigations into the incident are also expected to shed light on the causes behind this tragic collapse.
