1 killed, over 15 injured in bridge collapse

Bhubaneswar, Sept 10: One person was killed and at least 15 others injured on Sunday when a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed in the Odisha capital, police said.

Several persons were feared still trapped under the debris of the flyover in Bomikhal area, where 40-odd workers were reportedly engaged in the ongoing construction work. Satyabrat Patik, a resident of Mancheswar area here, was killed while returning home after picking up his minor daughter, who was injured, from a dance class, an official said.

“One person was brought dead. A minor girl who sustained grievous injuries has been referred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. We received 10 injured, of whom one is critical. Others have suffered fractures but their condition is stable,” Capital Hospital Director Chitaranjan Das said.

Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Mayor Anta rayan Je said the rescue operation by Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and fire service personnel was on. He said the exact death toll was yet to be ascertained, even as eyewitnesses said some persons may still be trapped under the debris. Police Commissioner Y.B. Khurania said: “The contractor will be arrested soon for this crimil negligence.” Expressing grief, Chief Minister veen Patik announced Rs five lakh to the bereaved family and free treatment to the injured. (IANS)