Examiner Bureau | Jammu:
Three labourers lost their lives after a portion of an old bridge collapsed during retention work in the Thathar area of Bantalab on the outskirts of Jammu on Friday evening.
A fourth worker, identified as a local mason, was rescued alive from the debris. The fatalities were confirmed by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who visited the site late Friday night.
Expressing grief over the incident, Choudhary said four workers were trapped when the structure gave way, of whom one was safely rescued while three succumbed. He also announced immediate administrative action, stating that two officials have been suspended, one has been attached, and the contractor has been blacklisted. An inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the collapse.
Earlier, BJP MLA and former minister Sham Lal Sharma, who represents the Jammu North constituency, said one mason—identified by locals as Tarsem Lal from Kanachak—was rescued safely and shifted to hospital.
“The rescue teams initially retrieved one body, and later two more were recovered, taking the death toll to three. All the deceased are reported to be from Chhattisgarh,” he said, adding that operations continued to ensure no one else remained trapped.
According to officials, the bridge, constructed around the turn of the century, had suffered extensive damage during flash floods in August last year, leaving its foundation weakened. Retaining wall construction work was underway at the time of the incident.
Eyewitnesses said several labourers were engaged at the site when a section of the bridge suddenly gave way, triggering panic and chaos. Rescue teams, including personnel from the police, SDRF, and other agencies, launched an intensive operation using heavy machinery and specialised equipment.
Authorities have assured strict accountability and a detailed investigation into the circumstances leading to the collapse.
