Bridge Collapse in Bihar Claims Life, Injures 8

Supaul- At least one person has died and eight others have been injured after three slabs of an under-construction bridge collapsed on Friday morning in Bihar's Supaul district.

The bridge, which is being built on the Kosi River connecting Bakour in Supaul and Bheja in Madhubani, was in the final stages of completion when the three slabs collapsed at around 7 am, officials said.

The Supaul District Magistrate Kaushal Kumar said that rescue and relief work was underway to find out if any more workers were trapped inside the debris. "Three slabs from pillar numbers 152, 153 and 154 collapsed," he said.

Adequate compensation for the deceased as well as injured victims is being arranged, NHAI Regional Officer YB Singh said, adding that experts have been briefed and asked to assess the reason for the accident and suggest necessary remedial measures.

The bridge was a joint venture between Gammon Engineers and Contractors Private Limited and Transrail Lighting Limited and was being built on a cost of Rs 1,200 crore. The foundation stone for the project was laid in 2014, but the bridge remained incomplete.

The incident is a reminder of the dangers faced in working near fast-flowing rivers. It also highlights the need for proper safety measures and infrastructure upgrades to prevent similar disasters in the future, officials said.