1 killed, over 15 injured in under-construction bridge collapse

One person was killed and at least 15 others injured on Sunday when a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed in the Odisha capital, police said.

Several persons were feared still trapped under the debris of the flyover in Bomikhal area, where 40-odd workers were reportedly engaged in the ongoing construction work.

Satyabrat Patnaik, a resident of Mancheswar area here, was killed while returning home after picking up his minor daughter, who was injured, from a dance class, an official said.

"One person was brought dead. A minor girl who sustained grievous injuries has been referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. We received 10 injured, of whom one is critical. Others have suffered fractures but their condition is stable," Capital Hospital Director Chitaranjan Das said.

Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said the rescue operation by Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and fire service personnel was on.

He said the exact death toll was yet to be ascertained, even as eyewitnesses said some persons may still be trapped under the debris.

Police Commissioner Y.B. Khurania said: "The contractor will be arrested soon for this criminal negligence."

Works Secretary Nalinikant Pradhan said an inquiry had been ordered and action would be initiated against those found responsible for the accident.

Expressing grief, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced Rs five lakh to the bereaved family and free treatment to the injured.

Human rights activist Subash Mohapatra has filed a complaint with the Commissionerate Police for a fair probe and action against the culprits.

--IANS

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