Bihar's Supaul: A section of a bridge collapsed killing one while many others are trapped

An under-construction bridge collapsed in Bihar's Supaul on Friday 22^nd of March at 7:30 am local time resulting to the death of one person. Furthermore, at least 10 others were injured while there are concerns about more people being trapped under the debris. It is pointed out that more than 40 workers were at the site when the pillars collapsed.

The construction of the country's longest road bridge, spanning between Bakour in Supaul and Bheja in Madhubani district, was underway. The incident occurred at Maricha, between Bheja and Bakaur, during the construction of a bridge over the Kosi River, when the section between pilar 153 and 154 of the bridge collapsed; the bridge has 171 piers. The 10.2-km bridge, costing Rs 984 crore, was being constructed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) under the supervision of Gammon India and Trans Rail Lighting Limited.

Rescue operations started with the assistance of local volunteers, while authorities were present at the scene. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, responsible for the Road Construction portfolio, has initiated an inquiry and argues that will act against of those who are accountable for the accident. The reason for the collapse is not known yet and a thorough investigation is undergoing.