A shocking incident occurred on Sunday in Bhagalpur, Bihar as an under-construction bridge came crashing down. Footage of the terrifying collapse has emerged, causing panic on site. Fortunately, early reports suggest that there were no casualties, but the incident has sparked widespread concern. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered an investigation to identify those responsible.
Video footage reveals the complete structure plunging into the Ganges River, between Khagaria-Aguwani-Sultanganj where the bridge was being constructed. It's worth noting that a section of this bridge had previously collapsed two years ago. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had laid the foundation stone for this bridge in 2014.
It has been reported that the bridge, costing INR 1,717 crores, was in the making. This April, some parts of the under-construction bridge were damaged by a storm. A significant section of the bridge being built over the Ganges River between Khagaria-Aguwani-Sultanganj has now deteriorated. The upper section has submerged into the river.
The video clearly shows that the superstructure of the under-construction bridge has fallen. While the exact reason for the collapse is yet to be clarified, it is reported that the structure over three pillars crumbled. The bridge, situated in Sultanganj, Bhagalpur, was meant to connect Khagaria and Bhagalpur.
DDC Bhagalpur Kumar Anurag stated that the bridge collapse incident occurred at about six in the morning. As of now, there have been no reports of fatalities. Local administration is present at the location. A report has been requested from the 'Bridge Construction Corporation'.
JDU legislator says culprits will face action
JDU legislator Lalit Mandal described the incident as unfortunate. While there were hopes of inaugurating the bridge by November-December this year, the occurrence of such mishaps is a matter of investigation. Strict action will be taken against the culprits. He added that it is difficult to state anything conclusively until an inquiry is completed.
Opposition leader Vijay Kumar targets the government
In response to the bridge collapse, Opposition leader Vijay Kumar Sinha has highlighted a new facet of 'zero tolerance for corruption' within the Bihar government. He pointed out that a bridge initially estimated to cost INR 600-700 crores has escalated to nearly INR 1600 crores. He alleged that due to a culture of kickbacks, high-ranking officials are implicated in monetary recoveries. A judicial investigation is warranted. The people of Bihar will never forgive this, he asserted.
