Examiner Bureau | Jammu:
A portion of an old bridge undergoing retention work collapsed in the Thathar area of Bantalab on the outskirts of Jammu on Friday evening, leaving several labourers trapped under the debris and triggering a massive rescue operation.
While there was no official confirmation on casualties, reports indicated that one labourer was rescued alive, while three others were feared trapped. The bridge, constructed around the turn of the century, had reportedly sustained significant damage during the floods in August last year, exposing its foundation.
Eyewitnesses said multiple labourers were engaged in construction work when a section of the structure suddenly gave way, creating panic and chaos at the site. Local residents were the first to respond, initiating rescue efforts even before emergency services arrived.
Police and civil administration teams quickly reached the scene and were later joined by personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Army. Heavy machinery, including JCBs and advanced equipment, was deployed to clear debris, with operations carried out cautiously to maximise the chances of survival for those trapped.
According to local accounts, around six individuals were caught in the collapse. Two labourers reportedly managed to escape with minor injuries, while one person, identified by locals as Tarsem Lal from Kanachak, was rescued alive and shifted to hospital, where his condition was said to be stable. However, this has not been officially confirmed.
BJP MLA and former minister Sham Sharma, who visited the site, said the bridge had been weakened by earlier flood damage and that retaining wall construction work was underway. “There is a possibility that traffic was not completely halted during the work. A few labourers are trapped, and rescue operations are ongoing. We are praying for their safe rescue,” he said.
Despite fading light, rescue operations continued late into the night, with teams using specialised lighting and equipment to sustain efforts in challenging conditions.
