Bailey bridge collapses in Manipur, no one hurt

IMPHAL, April 29: A bailey bridge being constructed in Imphal West district of Manipur collapsed on Thursday night, but no one was hurt, officials said on Friday.

The bridge was meant to connect the Sekmai and Khurkhul villages. The work on the Rs.1.98 crore project started in 2014 and was scheduled to be completed in September 2016.

Babuchand, the chief engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), said on Friday the contractor deserved to be blacklisted for allowing the work to continue without the supervision of engineers.

“It is very deplorable that the labourers had carried on the construction work without engineers. The special contractor will be blacklisted,” Babuchand said.

Local MLA Khwairakpam Devendro, however, said that the contractor was apologetic and should be given another opportunity to finish the job with new material.

That was after the contractor said, “I tender my unqualified apology for the mistake to one and all. However, I assure that the bridge will be constructed within May.”