Five Border Road Organization personnel die in Upper Subansiri while constructing a steel Bailey bridge

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Five personnel of Project Arunank under Border Road Organization (BRO) died in Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh while constructing a steel Bailey bridge, a senior BRO official said.

The tragic incident occurred at Nacho Circle of the district on May 11, Project Arunank Chief Engineer Brig RS Rawal said over phone on Tuesday.

Brig Rawal, quoting sources from the site, said that the tragedy struck when the BRO personnel were engaged in erecting the 180-feet-long steel bailey bridge along the strategically important Nacho-Tama Chung Chung road near the remote Limeking Circle in the district that shares border with China. The Chief Engineer said that he got the information only on Tuesday from the officials of the accident site due to poor telephone connectivity.

The deceased have been identified as pioneers Baidur Rehman, Pramod Kumar, Mahabir Sah and Tapan Nath while hydraulic operator Anil Budhwar, who had suffered grievous injuries on his spine and pelvis, died during evacuation to district headquarters Daporijo, the Chief Engineer said. “The mortal remains of four pioneers got stuck with the bridge but three were recovered when the last report was received and being dispatched to their native places,” Rawal informed. He added that rescue operations have been badly affected due to incessant rains, besides very strong water current and high water level of the Subansiri River and the steep cliff of the accident site. “A diving team, including Army personnel, has been making all-out efforts to retrieve the bodies,” he said.

The Chief Engineer conveyed his deep condolences to the members of the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls. He said that the compensation as per laid down procedures would be paid to their next of kin while a departmental inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the facts of the accident.

The 128 Road Construction Company (RCC) under 23 Border Road Task Force (BRTF) is constructing the challenging road involving cutting and widening hilly terrain, bridging water gap and surfacing formation cutting.

Also read: Arunachal news