Cuttack (OT Web Desk) A devastating accident occurred at the Khannagar bridge construction site on Saturday evening when a crane suddenly collapsed during the installation of a concrete slab.
The incident claimed the lives of three individuals, including an engineer and two labourers, while two others were critically injured.
The mishap took place around 6 PM when a crane was lifting a prefabricated concrete slab onto a bridge pillar. According to eyewitness reports, one of the support wires on the crane snapped, causing the slab to fall.
The collapse led to heavy iron structures losing balance and crashing down, fatally injuring those on-site.
Rescue operations were swiftly initiated by fellow workers, local residents, and emergency response teams.
The injured individuals were immediately transported to SCB Medical College for treatment. Unfortunately, three victims succumbed to their injuries, while two others remain in critical condition.
Following the tragic accident, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his grief and ordered a high-level investigation into the incident.
Additionally, he announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the families of the deceased.
Several government officials, including Divisional Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Mayor Subash Singh, and other dignitaries, visited the injured at the hospital and assessed the situation at the accident site.
The bridge, being constructed by Arcade Construction, has been under development for the past two years as part of the Ringbandh road expansion. Initially, the project was overseen by a private company, but later transferred to Arcade Construction.
This accident raises serious concerns regarding safety protocols at major infrastructure sites. Authorities are expected to scrutinise the construction practices and ensure stronger preventive measures to avoid such tragedies in the future.
