A bridge on the Bareli-Pipariya state highway in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district collapsed on Monday during repair work, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
Officials said a section of the Nayagaon bridge on the Bareli side fell while maintenance work was underway. Four men riding two motorcycles fell along with the damaged part of the bridge. They were taken to Bareli Civil Hospital and one critically injured man was referred to Bhopal.
The deceased has been identified as former CRPF jawan Devendra Dhakad, who died during treatment in Bhopal. He was crossing the bridge on a motorcycle when it gave way.
Cause of the bridge collapse
The bridge was built in 1980 by the Public Works Department. A recent survey had highlighted several weaknesses, including rusted reinforcement in the slab, clogged expansion joints and damaged protective work. Based on these findings, a repair and reconstruction plan was made and Rs 98 lakh was sanctioned for maintenance.
Officials said eight laborers were working at the site at the time of the collapse. In total, at least 10 people – including workers and commuters – were injured.
“This was a 40-42 year old bridge. Such incidents happen due to the age of the bridge and that is why this happened. Traffic was running on it every day. This accident happened suddenly,” Ishwar Singh Chandeli, Bhopal DGM, told news agency ANI.
Probe and action taken
Authorities have suspended Field Staff Manager AA Khan, who was responsible for the bridge’s maintenance.
A three-member inquiry committee, led by Chief Engineer Gopal Singh, has been set up to investigate the incident. The panel has been asked to submit its report within seven days. Senior district officials, including the Collector and Superintendent of Police, visited the site. Meanwhile, teams from the MP Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) are working to restore connectivity with a temporary road over the damaged section.
Political reactions pouring in
Speaking to ANI, Congress leader Jaivardhan Singh said, “This is a very unfortunate incident. Due to the corruption and transactions approved by the current BJP government in development works, people’s lives are in danger”.
Congress leader Arif Masood told the news agency, “This government should be concerned and take it seriously. We have said that there should be a discussion on corruption once.”
Minister Rakesh Singh told IANS, “We have just received this information. The bridge comes under the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC). I have spoken to the MD just now”.
