Two feared dead after under construction bridge collapses in Odisha’s Balangir

Balangir: At least two persons were feared dead after an under construction bridge over the Suktel River collapsed at Patnagarh area in Balangir district today.

The persons, who are feared to have died, were among several workers engaged at the construction work of the bridge. They were from Madhya Pradesh.

The incident took place during construction of the bridge over the Suktel River in the morning.

“Two persons, who are trapped under the debris, are my son and cousin (son of father’s sister).  We were engaged at the construction site when the bridge collapsed,” said a worker namely Mayaram, hails from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

On receiving information, Balangir police rushed to the site and launched operation to rescue the workers.

According to reports, the bridge was constructed over the Suktel River at expenses of Rs 7 crore to connect Tamian and  Mudalsar in Balangir district four years ago. The foundation stone of the bridge was laid on January 7, 2014. The project was completed in one year and half month for which the contractor was rewarded. The bride was inaugurated on July 3, 2015. A few years after the construction, the damage was found in 182.19 metre-long structure.