In a devastating incident, an under-construction bridge in Bihar’s Supaul collapsed earlier today, leaving one person dead and sparking fears that numerous others could be trapped under the debris. The bustling construction site near Maricha, which was abuzz with activity, turned into a scene of chaos and devastation following the collapse around 7 am, IST prompting urgent rescue efforts by local authorities and volunteers.
Authorities on the ground have expressed grave concerns, estimating that as many as 30 workers may still be trapped beneath the rubble. The bridge, which was under construction at a cost of ₹ 984 crore, was intended to span the river Kosi, a vital infrastructure project for the region.
The tragic incident draws unsettling parallels to a similar bridge collapse in Bihar’s Bhagalpur, which had ignited a heated debate between the state government and the opposition BJP. The collapse of the four-lane bridge over the river Ganges had shocked the nation, resembling the collapse of a house of cards.
The ill-fated bridge, meant to connect Bhagalpur and Khagaria districts, was part of an ambitious project with a staggering cost exceeding ₹ 1,700 crore. Initiated with the laying of the foundation stone by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in February 2014, the project was scheduled for completion by 2019.
The collapse underscores the urgent need for stringent safety measures and robust oversight in large-scale infrastructure projects, as authorities scramble to assess the extent of the damage and mount a comprehensive rescue operation.
