Patna Bridge Collapse Traps Workers, Villagers Allege Substandard Construction
A small bridge under construction suddenly collapsed in the Danapur area of Patna district on Saturday, trapping two workers under the debris. The incident occurred as part of the Vijay Singh Path-Dhibra road project, raising serious concerns about construction quality and administrative oversight.
Rescue Efforts and Injuries
One worker was rescued with severe injuries and is fighting for life in hospital, while another managed to escape by hiding under the bridge. The injured worker has been identified as Santosh Kumar, who was admitted to the Danapur Sadar Hospital for treatment. According to police, he is severely injured but out of danger.
Villagers Raise Alarms Over Construction Quality
Locals have voiced strong concerns about the quality of construction, alleging that the bridge was being built directly on soil without a strong base or solid iron pillars. They claim substandard materials were used, leading to the collapse. A local villager, Sudarshan Kumar, stated, “Two similar bridges were being constructed in the area. One has already collapsed, while the other has also been built with the same weak technique, which could invite a major accident at any time.”
Demands for Action and Inspection
Villagers, including Anil Kumar, Ramji, and Sudarshan Kumar, have demanded strict action against the contractor and concerned officials. They appealed to the administration to immediately inspect the second bridge and halt construction work to prevent future accidents. The bridge was being constructed under the Mukhyamantri Gramin Sadak Yojana to improve connectivity in the village.
Police and Administrative Response
Shahpur SHO Sunil Kumar confirmed that the bridge was being built on a drain to facilitate smooth vehicle movement in Dhibra village. Construction had started around 15 days ago and was still in progress when a section collapsed. The police are investigating the incident, focusing on the allegations of irregularities in the construction process.
This collapse highlights ongoing issues with infrastructure projects in rural areas, emphasizing the need for stricter quality controls and better oversight to ensure public safety. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with substandard construction practices.
