Flyover Collapses in Varanasi: At Least 15 Killed, Many Injured
Varanasi Bridge Collapse: Death Toll Rises, CM Orders Probe
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Video Producer: Srishti Tyagi
Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
An under-construction flyover near Varanasi railway station collapsed killing at least 15 persons while more were feared trapped under the debris.
Rescue teams were at spot to rescue those trapped. Many vehicles, including a bus, were crushed in the collapse.
The Uttar Pradesh Bridge Construction Corporation was constructing the 2261-metre-long bridge at a cost of Rs 129 crore, officials said. The span which fell today was laid barely three months ago, they added.
“Seven NDRF teams have been deployed for the rescue operations at the collapse site”, said Arvind Kumar, Principal Secretary (Home).
According to Kumar, six others are injured and are currently under treatment. All trapped vehicles have been taken taken out.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha, and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the deaths.
Meanwhile, the opposition targeted the state government over the tragedy in the "top-priority constituency of the country".
Chief Minister Adityanath set up a three-member committee to probe the flyover collapse. He announced a Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh to the seriously injured.
The chief minister also directed the district administration and PWD officials to take all necessary steps for relief and rescue operations.
UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya visited the collapse site and assured that the ones responsible for the mishap will be dealt with strictly. “This is a very unfortunate incident and I'm deeply saddened by it. I'm going to meet the injured in the hospital. Culprits will not be spared. Will setup a committee to look into the matter,” said Maurya.
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