Hamirpur Bridge Collapse: 6 Laborers Killed As Under Construction Structure Falls Over Betwa

A major tragedy struck the Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh in the early hours of Friday when a significant portion of an under-construction bridge over the Betwa river collapsed. The incident, which occurred during a period of severe weather, resulted in the tragic death of at least 6 laborers who were working and resting at the site. Several others are feared to be trapped under the massive pile of debris, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local administrative teams.

Details of the Incident and Weather Impact

The construction project was located within the jurisdiction of the Kurara police station, specifically spanning the stretch from Morkandar Parsani to Naithi village. According to reports, the disaster unfolded at approximately 3:00 AM on Friday. The region was experiencing a sudden and violent shift in weather, characterized by high-velocity winds, a fierce storm, and heavy rainfall. It was under these extreme conditions that the structural integrity of the bridge was compromised, leading to the collapse of the shuttering, the concrete slab, and the supporting pillar, locally referred to as the kothi.

At the time of the collapse, many laborers were reportedly sleeping in the area directly beneath or adjacent to the affected section of the bridge. The suddenness of the structural failure meant that those present had no time to react or escape to safety. The sound of the falling concrete and steel was described by locals as a deafening roar that echoed through the nearby villages, alerting residents to the catastrophe.

Rescue Operations and Local Response

Immediately following the collapse, residents from the surrounding villages rushed to the site to offer assistance, while despite the dark and the ongoing storm, they began the arduous task of searching for survivors among the ruins. Upon receiving information about the accident, the local police, district administration, and SDRF units were dispatched to the scene. The rescue teams utilized JCB machines and other heavy-duty equipment to clear the heavy slabs and twisted metal. Senior officials, including the SDM and CO, arrived at the site to oversee the operations, and a significant police presence from multiple stations was established to manage the area and facilitate the rescue efforts.

Identification of the Deceased

The authorities have identified the 6 victims who lost their lives in this tragic event. Among the deceased are Lokendra Nishad and Kuldeep Nishad, both residents of the Chilla police station area in Banda district. Two other victims from the Bhuragarh area have been identified as Sawant Yadav and Sabhajit. From the Hamirpur district itself, the victims include Pushpendra Singh Chauhan, a resident of Swasa Khurd in the Lalpur police station area, and 42 year old Rajesh Pal from Achpura. The loss has left their families devastated, with many of the workers having been the primary breadwinners for their households.

Investigation and Accountability

The collapse has raised serious concerns regarding the safety protocols and the quality of construction at the site. The bridge was being built near the ancestral village of Morkandar Parsani, and the local community has expressed outrage over the perceived negligence. In response to the incident, the district administration has officially ordered a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the collapse. Officials have stated that a detailed report will be prepared to determine if there were lapses in engineering or safety standards. They've assured that strict legal action will be taken against any individuals or contractors found responsible for the tragedy. Currently, the entire region remains in a state of mourning as the rescue operation continues to ensure no one else remains buried under the rubble.