Hamirpur: A powerful storm triggered a tragic accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Hamirpur district after a portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed late at night, killing at least six workers and leaving fears that more people may still be trapped beneath the debris.
According to police officials, the incident occurred around 2 am when a concrete slab suddenly gave way during severe weather conditions. Rescue teams rushed to the site shortly after local authorities received information about workers being buried under the fallen structure.
Additional Superintendent of Police Arvind Kumar Verma said emergency personnel, including teams from the SDRF, immediately began rescue efforts at the accident location. Authorities confirmed that the bodies of workers had been recovered and identified so far.
Rescue operations continued through the morning as officials searched the wreckage for possible survivors. Heavy machinery and emergency workers were deployed to clear debris while medical teams remained on standby nearby.
The incident prompted swift action from the Uttar Pradesh government. The Chief Minister’s Office stated that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took immediate note of the collapse and instructed senior administrative officials to reach the site without delay.
The Chief Minister also directed authorities to speed up rescue and relief operations in coordination with the State Disaster Response Force. Officials were ordered to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and to extend all possible support to affected families.
In addition, the state government announced that compensation would be provided to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. Officials were also instructed to remain in direct contact with relatives of the victims and assist them during the ongoing rescue process.
Local residents said strong winds and heavy rain had lashed the region shortly before the structure collapsed. While the exact cause of the incident is yet to be officially confirmed, preliminary reports suggest the severe weather may have weakened part of the under-construction section.
Authorities are expected to launch a detailed investigation into the collapse, including whether safety standards at the construction site were being properly followed.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns about worker safety and infrastructure oversight at large construction projects during extreme weather conditions.
