A tragic accident shook Uttar Pradesh's Hamirpur district after an under-construction bridge collapsed during a powerful storm late at night.
At least six workers lost their lives while rescue teams continued searching for trapped labourers. The accident happened around 2 am near the Betwa River when heavy rain and strong winds suddenly damaged the structure.
Storm Turns Construction Site Into Disaster Zone
The bridge was being built between Morakandar and Kandaur villages over the Betwa River. According to local people, work was still going on during the night when the weather became dangerous.
Strong winds started hitting the area after midnight. Villagers said loud cracking sounds came from the bridge before huge concrete segments collapsed one after another. Soon after that, support pillars also gave way.
Some workers were standing below a hydra machine when the slab suddenly crashed down.
The entire area turned chaotic within seconds. Workers screamed for help while heavy rain made rescue work even harder.
Six Workers Confirmed Dead
Police and rescue teams reached the site quickly after receiving emergency calls around 2 am. Officials confirmed that at least six workers have died in the accident.
The victims were identified as Lokendra, Kuldeep Nishad, Sawant Yadav, Sabhajit, Pushpendra Singh Chauhan, and Rajesh Pal.
The youngest victim was just 19-year-old Kuldeep Nishad from Banda district.
Families of the victims were left devastated after hearing the news. Many villagers gathered near the site throughout the morning, waiting for updates about missing workers.
Rescue Teams Continue Search
Officials said some workers were still feared trapped under broken slabs and debris. Teams from SDRF and local police started rescue operations immediately despite difficult weather conditions.
Three workers were also found stranded on bridge pillars during the incident. They were identified as Awadhesh Nishad, Kallu Yadav, and Rajesh Nishad.
Heavy machines and cranes were brought in to remove collapsed concrete pieces carefully.
Hamirpur Additional Superintendent of Police Arvind Kumar Verma said authorities rushed to the location as soon as information came in about trapped labourers.
Rescue operations were still continuing as officials feared the death count could rise further.
Questions Raised Over Safety Measures
The accident has now raised serious concerns over construction safety at the site. Locals claimed work was happening late into the night even as weather conditions worsened.
Many residents questioned why workers were allowed to remain near unstable structures during such a severe storm.
Some villagers also alleged that proper emergency precautions were missing at the construction site.
Authorities are expected to investigate whether safety rules were ignored before the collapse.
Villagers Describe Terrifying Night
People living near the bridge said the storm was extremely intense. Several families woke up after hearing loud crashing noises.
One local resident said huge bridge sections broke apart first, then support pillars collapsed completely. He described the scene as frightening and heartbreaking.
The incident has created fear among workers and villagers in nearby areas.
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