Hamirpur bridge collapse claims 6 labourers lives amid storm; UP CM Yogi Adityanath orders rescue operations and expresses condolences
Hamirpur: A tragic accident took place in Uttar Pradesh’s Hamirpur district in the early hours of Thursday after an under-construction bridge collapsed during a strong storm. At least 6 labourers lost their lives in the incident, while several others are feared trapped under the debris. Rescue teams continued search operations till Thursday morning.
The accident happened at the Kandaur-Morakandar bridge project in the Kurara police station area of Hamirpur district. The bridge was being built over the Betwa River to improve road connectivity between nearby villages.
Bridge Structure Collapsed During Heavy Rain and Strong Winds
Officials said the bridge collapsed around 2 am when the area was hit by heavy rain, strong winds and a severe storm. A part of the bridge under construction, including the slab, bridge pier and shuttering structure, suddenly fell down due to the bad weather.
Several labourers working at the site got trapped under large concrete slabs and iron rods after the collapse. Reports said some workers were standing near a hydra machine for shelter when the structure suddenly gave way.
Death Toll Could Increase
Authorities first confirmed the deaths of 5 labourers. Later the number increased to 6. However, officials later said the number could rise because rescue workers were still clearing the debris and searching for trapped labourers.
One of the labourers who died was identified as 19-year-old Kuldeep Nishad from Banda district of Uttar Pradesh. Officials are trying to identify the other victims and inform their families.
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SDRF and Police Teams Rushed to the Spot
Soon after the incident, teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police and district administration reached the spot and started rescue operations.
Rescue workers used cranes and heavy machines to remove the broken concrete and search for trapped workers. Senior police and administrative officers also reached the site to monitor the rescue work.
Hamirpur Additional Superintendent of Police Arvind Kumar Verma said authorities received information about the collapse around 2 am, after which rescue teams were immediately sent to the site.
Officials said rescue operations were continuing at full speed on Thursday morning.
CM Yogi Adityanath Expresses Grief
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the incident in a post on X. He said the loss of lives in the tragic accident on the Betwa River in Hamirpur district was “extremely heartbreaking and heart-rending.”
The Chief Minister offered condolences to the families of the deceased and said instructions had been given to the district administration to carry out relief and rescue operations quickly in coordination with the SDRF.
He also prayed for the peace of the departed souls and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured labourers.
Safety Concerns Raised After Incident
The incident has raised serious questions about safety arrangements at the construction site. Reports said construction work was going on even during severe weather conditions. Officials will investigate whether authorities followed safety rules and whether negligence or structural issues caused the collapse.
The accident has once again raised concerns about safety measures at construction and infrastructure project sites across the country.
