4 injured as iron bridge collapses in JK, inquiry ordered

A 300-metre iron bridge, constructed by IRCON over a stream near the longest under-construction railway tunnel in India, collapsed in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir today, prompting the state government to order an inquiry into the accident.

Two trucks, loaded with construction material for the railway tunnel, were crossing the bridge over Nallah Bishlari in Ramsoo area when it collapsed, resulting in injuries to both the drivers and their conductors, officials said.

The four miraculously escaped the mishap with only minor injuries and were discharged after first-aid, they said.

The trucks were badly damaged however.

The bridge was laid by IRCON about four years ago on the approach road leading to the under-construction railway tunnel between Khari and Sumber areas in the district.

The tunnel will be the longest in India after completion.

Ramban Deputy Commissioner Tariq Ahmad Ganie inspected the site on accident and ordered an inquiry into the matter.

The inquiry would be conducted by the sub-divisional magistrate. He has to submit his report within 15 days, a government official said.

Minister for Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Javaid Mustafa Mir has asked the deputy commissioner to inquire why safety norms were not followed and also fix the responsibility, the official said.