6 killed as under-construction bridge collapses in UP’s Hamirpur

HAMIRPUR: At least six workers were killed after a slab, bridge pier and shuttering of an under-construction bridge collapsed in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh on Friday due to a heavy storm.Officials fear that more workers may still be trapped under the debris at the site. The incident occurred around 2 am at the under-construction Kandaur–Morakandar bridge, where construction work was reportedly underway during the night shift when the collapse took place. Eyewitnesses said a powerful storm struck the area around midnight. “Due to the storm, the segments and support pillars fell and broke. Two of our guards protecting the bridge were crushed to death,” an eyewitness said.Authorities reached the spot soon after being informed about the incident. “We have retrieved and identified five deceased,” Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Hamirpur, Arvind Kumar Verma said.The ASP said that teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police officials have been deployed and rescue operations are continuing at the site. As search efforts continue, officials warned that the death toll could rise as several workers are feared trapped beneath the rubble. Further details are awaited as the operation progresses.(With ANI inputs)