Flyover collapsed in Bhubaneswar, 1 killed

Bhubaneswar: At least one person was killed and 12 others were injured when a portion of the under-construction flyover at Bomikhal area in Bhubaneswar collapsed on Sunday.The accident occurred when the centering support for laying a span plunged several feet into the ground.

The accident occurred when the centering support for laying a span plunged several feet into the ground.

The deceased has been identified as Satya Patnaik from Mancheswar area of the city. Patnaik was returning home after picking his minor daughter Sheetal, who also got injured, from a dance class, said an official.

The 12 injured people, including Sheetal, were rescued from the debris and rushed to Capital Hospital. Sheetal was later shifted to AIIMS in a serious condition.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and fire fighters equipped with gas cutters, three cranes and earth movers are busy removing the debris where some workers are feared to have been trapped. Four ambulances have been pressed into the rescue work.

Public Works Department Secretary NK Pradhan said he has ordered an investigation into the collapse and vowed strict action against those found guilty. “It is certainly a major mistake on the part of the contractor.”

Pradhan said that rescuing those trapped in the debris was the state government’s first priority.

Deputy Executive Engineer Bansidhar Praharaj and Assistant Engineer Kishore Rout have been suspended.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s government has announced Rs 5 lakh as compensation for Patnaik’s family, and free treatment for all the injured people.

The CM said stringent action will be taken against the persons found guilty.

“I am shocked to learn about the death of one person in the unfortunate incident. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family. I met the injured and discussed with the doctors about their treatment. Two engineers have been suspended and high-level investigation has been ordered. Exemplary action would be taken against the persons found guilty,” Patnaik told the media.

Work of the flyover which has been hanging fire for last three years had resumed recently. The construction work had started in 2012 and was supposed to complete in 2014 but delay in land acquisition pushed the schedule.