Bhubaneswar: Expressing grief over the loss of a life after a major portion of an under-construction flyover bridge collapsed near Bomikhal here on Sunday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for kin of the deceased.
One person was killed while around 12 others including few labourers and a minor girl were injured in the mishap.
Informing that a high level inquiry has been ordered by Chief Engineer, Designs and Chief Engineer, Roads, CM Patnaik also announced the treatment cost of the injured will be borne entirely by the State Government.
Later in the day, Patnaik visited the victims undergoing treatment at Capital Hospital and enquired about their health. "I am shocked to learn about the death of one person in the unfortunate incident. My deepest condolence to the bereaved family. I have discussed with the doctors about the health of victims. Two engineers have been suspended. A high level inquiry has been ordered," Patnaik told media.
Breaking News: Case Registered Against Engineers, Panda Infra Officials
The suspended officials are Deputy Executive Engineer Bansidhar Prahraj and Assistant Engineer Kishore Rout of the Works department.
Meanwhile, Governor Dr. S. C. Jamir expressed grief over loss of life in the incident and wished speedy recovery of the injured.
Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda also visited Capital Hospital and enquired about the health condition of the persons injured in the mishap.
The deceased has been identified as Satya Patnaik (40), a businessman from Bhubaneswar. Patnaik’s daughter Sheetal has also been severely injured in the mishap. The incident occurred they were crossing the road. Sheetal has been shifted to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar and her condition is said to be critical, sources said.
According to reports, the flyover collapsed at around 12 noon when nearly 20 labourers were engaged in construction activities at the site.
“We had started the work at around 8 am and were busy in plastering the roof of the flyover when it caved in,” said an injured labourer.
The flyover project was under Roads and Buildings (R&B) Division-4 and was being executed by Panda Infra. Works Secretary Nalinikant Pradhan informed that already two senior engineers have been asked to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident.
“After getting a report from the engineers, action will be taken against those found responsible for any negligence,” Pradhan added.
Also Read: Flyover collapse rocks Assembly, adjourned till 3 PM
As many as 10 fire tenders, three units of ODRAF launched a massive search and rescue operations at the spot. Two NDRF teams, comprising of 84 personnel and two dog squads were also engaged to trace if any more person is trapped under the debris. Cutters, cranes from Cuttack were engaged to expedite the operations .
DGP RP Sharma, Police Commissioner YB Khurania and other administrative officials visited the spot to take stock of the situation.
DGP Sharma said " Commissionerate Police registered a case and action will be taken against the guilty."
WATCH VIDEO
https://youtu.be/4l9Hnxe8m08