Two workers die as under-construction bridge collapses in Jammu

JAMMU: Two workers died after a portion of an under-construction bridge in the Bantalab-Thathar area on the outskirts of Jammu collapsed Friday, prompting a massive rescue operation by multiple agencies, including Army, NDRF and SDRF.

A 55-year-old worker, Tarsem Lal, was rescued and admitted to Govt Medical College and Hospital in Jammu with injuries, while two bodies were pulled out from under the rubble by rescuers and at least one person was still feared trapped underneath. One of the deceased was identified as Panchu Sethi, 50, while the identity of the other was yet to be established.

Sources said the structure caved in all of sudden, not giving the workers any time to run for safety.

“Civil administration officials, police personnel and soldiers of nearby Army units are engaged in the rescue operation, and are using heavy machinery to clear the debris and rescue the workers,” said an official.