Three labourers dead after bridge gives way during repairs near Jammu, probe ordered

Three people were killed and one injured after a partially collapsed bridge gave way during repair work on the outskirts of Jammu, officials said on Saturday. The incident occurred in the Thuther area of Bantalab, where labourers were engaged in restoration work on a structure damaged by flash floods last year.

According to officials, four workers were initially trapped when a section of the bridge suddenly collapsed. Rescue teams launched an extensive overnight operation under floodlights, involving personnel from the police, army, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, and fire and emergency services. The bodies of three workers were recovered after nearly 12 hours of search efforts.

One labourer was rescued alive shortly after the incident, while another injured individual, including a senior fire official, was shifted to hospital for treatment. Divisional Fire Officer Mohammad Jaffar sustained injuries after being struck by a falling boulder during the rescue operation.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary visited the site and ordered immediate administrative action, including the suspension of two engineers and the attachment of the executive engineer concerned. A three-member committee has been constituted to investigate the incident, with directions to submit its report within five days, focusing on possible lapses in supervision and safety during the repair work.