Six Workers Killed After Under-Construction Bridge Slab Collapses in Uttar Pradesh

At least six labourers lost their lives after a slab of an under-construction bridge collapsed in Uttar Pradesh’s Hamirpur district late on May 29 following a powerful storm. The victims included four residents of Banda district and two from Hamirpur district. The bridge was being constructed over the Betwa River to connect Morkandar village and Kurara village in Hamirpur district. According to reports, several workers were sleeping beneath the structure when a slab suddenly collapsed due to strong winds and heavy rainfall. Officials said three other labourers were trapped under the debris and were later rescued during a rescue operation that continued for nearly seven-and-a-half hours. According to the Meteorological Department, Hamirpur witnessed a severe storm late at night with wind speeds reaching between 70 and 80 kilometres per hour. The intense weather conditions are believed to have caused the slab to give way. Reacting to the incident, BJP MP Brijlal described the accident as extremely tragic. He stated that several people had lost their lives and assured that the government would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. He also said that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible for the incident. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the deceased workers. Instructions have also been issued to provide Rs 50,000 to those injured in the accident.