A portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed in the Bantalab area of Jammu on Friday, leaving several labourers feared trapped under the debris. The incident occurred while workers were carrying out repair work on a retaining wall near the bridge, which had been damaged during last year's flash floods.
Rescue Operation Underway
Emergency teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. One labourer has been rescued from under the debris and is reported to be in stable condition. Efforts are ongoing to locate and extricate the remaining trapped workers.
Details of the Incident
The collapse took place around midday, catching the labourers unaware. Local authorities have cordoned off the area to facilitate the rescue work. The exact number of trapped individuals is yet to be confirmed, but officials fear at least two to three workers may still be under the rubble.
Visuals from the site show a massive pile of concrete and steel bars, with rescue personnel using cutting equipment and hydraulic jacks to remove debris. Ambulances and medical teams are on standby to provide immediate aid to any injured.
Official Response
Jammu Deputy Commissioner has confirmed that a high-level inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the collapse. Meanwhile, the district administration has assured all possible assistance to the affected families. The bridge, part of a larger infrastructure project, had been under repair since the flash floods last year weakened its retaining wall.
This incident highlights the precarious condition of some infrastructure in the region, especially after natural calamities. Local residents have expressed concern over the safety of ongoing construction projects.
