Hamirpur

A section of an under-construction bridge collapsed during a severe storm in Uttar Pradesh’s Hamirpur district, killing at least five workers and leaving fears that more people may still be trapped beneath the debris.

The incident took place at the Kandaur-Morakandar bridge construction site in the Kurara area during the night shift when heavy rain and strong winds lashed the region.

Yogi Adityanath announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

According to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office, the chief minister expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed senior officials to immediately reach the site. He also instructed the administration to speed up rescue and relief work in coordination with SDRF teams and other agencies.

Officials said those injured in the incident have been directed to receive immediate medical treatment, while authorities have been asked to stay in contact with the victims’ families to provide all possible assistance.

Superintendent of Police Mrigank Shekhar Pathak said authorities received information about the collapse late Thursday night. Initial rescue operations led to the recovery of two bodies, while three workers were rescued alive.

He said preliminary findings indicate that the intense storm and heavy rainfall may have triggered the collapse of the slab and support structure.

Additional Superintendent of Police Arvind Kumar Verma said SDRF teams, police personnel and district officials reached the spot around 2 am after reports emerged that several labourers were trapped beneath the debris.

According to officials, the storm caused parts of the bridge slab, pier and shuttering structure to collapse while workers were present at the site.

Family members of the workers gathered at the site as rescue operations continued. Shivani Pal, daughter of labourer Rajesh Pal, said her father had been working the night shift when the storm struck and they lost contact with him shortly afterwards.

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Authorities said search operations are still underway amid fears that additional workers could remain trapped under the collapsed structure. An investigation into the incident has also been initiated.