Bhubaneswar: Expressing deep grief over the death of a labourer killed in the Bomikhal flyover mishap in Bhubaneswar Thursday evening, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the family of the deceased. Patnaik said that the medical expenses of the injured will be borne entirely by the state government.
The Chief Minister also ordered a high-level inquiry into the tragic incident.
On the other hand, the Commissionerate Police today arrested the owner of construction firm Panda Infra Projects, Pratap Kishore Panda.
Police Comissioner Y B Khurania, who rushed to the spot last evening said that it was an unfortunate incident. "We will take up the matter seriously. The case in connection with the flyover collapse in September is nearing completion. We will bring those involved in the construction work under our purview of investigation. All those found guilty will be arrested," Khurania said.
The body of the deceased has been sent for autopsy, while the condition of the injured, admitted to a private hospital here continues to be critical, said sources.
Meanwhile, the collapse of the ill-fated under-construction bridge again led to severe criticism from a cross-section of people who blamed the ruling BJD government for its "sloppy attitude" towards the safety of the citizens.
Reactions poured in from netizens from across the city and outside, who took to social media platforms and raised questions saying why the contract for the over bridge was not discontinued from the construction firm even after it was "blacklisted " following a similar mishap last year.
It may be noted that on September 10, a section of the under-construction flyover had collapsed leaving one person dead and 10 others injured.
"Bomikhal bridge collapse yet again speaks volumes of the malaise with the government. Rampant corruption & inefficiency are the hallmark of this government," tweeted Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra.
"Bomikhal Flyover collapse has proved, value of life is negligible against pc business. Only Contractor is not responsible, Rather govt, dept & entire system working on it at various levels r too equally responsible. #Corruption at Peak," tweeted Bijayeeta Tripathy, a local.
"Our heart goes out to the victims of #BomikhalFlyoverMishap. @PandaJay prays for the family of the deceased and injured.The mishap happening again should prompt all to think what is really happening at the governance level? Where is all the focus on? Ppl need answers", tweeted Office of MP Jay Panda.
Tension continued to prevail at Bomikhal where people rushed to have a view of the accident site and criticised the construction work and negligence on part of the firm.
Demanding a compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the kin of the deceased labourer, BJP member Jagannath Pradhan pointed out at the slow pace of work. "While the bridge was supposed to be completed in March, it seems like it would take another year for the bridge to be operational," he said.
Chattra Congress leader Itish Pradhan said, "License of the construction company must be immediately cancelled and investigation must be carried out to book the guilty."
Later in the day, Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda tweeted, "This repeat tragedy at the same project, with yet another death, showcases extreme callousness. And severe corruption. And most of all, a cruel nexus between those guilty of murder and those in the state govt who are openly, blatantly protecting them."
OPCC chief Niranjan Patnaik also took to Twitter and tweeted, "This second accident occurred because construction firm faced no action & was asked to continue; even suspended Govt officials were reinstated; private firm continued to flout basic rules.Why? Will CM Naveen Answer?"