One injured as bridge under construction collapses in Kerala
The incident has sparked widespread concern and prompted immediate action from authorities. Local residents and political workers have alleged that substandard construction practices may have led to the collapse — an allegation that is now under official investigation. The injured worker was identified as being part of the construction crew and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The Thorayikadavu bridge is designed to connect the Pookkad and Atholi riverbanks. The project, funded by KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) with a budget of approximately `23.82 crore, is being constructed by the Malappuram-based PMR Group. The bridge is planned to be 265 metres long and 12 metres wide. The construction work is overseen by the PWD Kerala Road Fund Unit.
According to local resident Ajay Bose, several construction workers narrowly escaped serious injuries when the beam collapsed during concreting work. 'It's a miracle more people weren't hurt,' he said, highlighting the dangerous nature of the incident. Following the collapse, a higher official with PWD demanded an urgent report from the project director. He stated that further action would be taken once the report is received.
Congress workers expressed outrage over the collapse, calling it a textbook example of negligence and corruption. They demanded a thorough probe and strict action against the construction company. 'This is not just a structural failure; it's a failure of responsibility,' said a local Congress leader, who preferred to remain anonymous. 'The public deserves to know why a project of this magnitude, funded by public money, was allowed to be compromised.'
Residents said the bridge was seen as a vital infrastructure project that would improve connectivity and boost the local economy. They are demanding accountability from the construction firm, PMR Group, and have called for an urgent and transparent inquiry.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
17 minutes ago
- Hans India
One charred to death, three feared dead in fire at Bengaluru market
Bengaluru: One person was charred to death and three others were feared dead in Nagarthpet, located close to the busy K.R. Market in Bengaluru, on Saturday. The victims were residing in a house on the fourth floor of a commercial building. According to police, the fire erupted suddenly inside the residence and engulfed the entire house within minutes. The exact cause of the tragedy is yet to be ascertained. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the fire first broke out in a plastic mat shop and then spread to the entire floor. The deceased has been identified as Madan Singh from Rajasthan. His wife and two children, aged 8 and 5 years, are also feared dead. About 18 fire tenders have been deployed to extinguish the blaze. However, due to the narrow lanes, personnel and vehicles of the Fire and Emergency Services Department faced difficulties in reaching the spot. Three ambulances have also been rushed to the area. More details are awaited as rescue operations are still underway. Former MLA and local Congress leader R.V. Devaraju, who arrived at the spot, stated that it is suspected one person has died and three others are feared dead. An official statement in this regard is awaited from the Police Department. On Friday, a boy was killed and nine others were injured in an explosion in Bengaluru. The incident caused panic among residents and authorities, as people were busy with the 79th Independence Day celebrations. The deceased was identified as eight-year-old Mubarak. According to police, 12 others, including an eight-year-old girl, sustained injuries and have been admitted to various hospitals. Authorities suspect a gas cylinder blast, although locals claim the impact was much stronger than a typical LPG cylinder explosion. Police are continuing their investigation. On October 7, 2023, in a major tragic incident, at least 13 persons were burnt alive and four others were injured in the cracker shop cum godown fire incident that was reported from Attibele in Anekal Taluk on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
Hans India
17 minutes ago
- Hans India
State-specific education policy soon: CM
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said steps are being taken by the state government to frame a comprehensive 'Karnataka-specific' education policy which will lead to holistic development of the youth. A commission constituted for this purpose has recommended a two-language policy in school education and that Kannada or the mother tongue be the medium of instruction up to Class 5. In his address during the 79th Independence Day celebrations here, the chief minister also said the government was upgrading first-grade colleges and polytechnics in the state, and establishing 13 new technical education institutions. 'Recently, the State Education Policy Commission, chaired by Prof Sukhadeo Thorat, submitted its report. For the first time, steps are being taken to frame a comprehensive, Karnataka-specific education policy which will lead to holistic development of our youth,' Siddaramaiah said. The Commission had submitted its report to Siddaramaiah on August 8. It was constituted in October 2023 following the Congress' poll promise to replace the National Education Policy (NEP) of the BJP-led Centre. This year, the government is setting up 500 Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore, Siddaramaiah said.
Hans India
17 minutes ago
- Hans India
Shivakumar calls for five vows on 79th Independence Day
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday called on the Congressmen to take a five-point oath on the 79th Independence Day to save sanctity of democracy. Addressing the partymen at the Independence Day celebration at the KPCC office, he said, 'We need to take a five-point oath today to save democracy, constitution and sanctity of elections and to fight injustice of tax devolution and to eliminate fascism.' 'Freedom is not something that has a price tag. Our leaders got us independence by sacrificing a lot. Hence, we need to take oath to save all the democratic values that came with independence. 'We need to remember these five oaths every day. We need to write a foreword to the second independence struggle in 2029. The first independence struggle in the country took place in Shivamogga district. Kittur Chennamma was the first one to defeat the British. Kannadigas have contributed a lot for the independence movement. We need to remember it today,' he reminisced. 'More than 6.5 lakh Congress men have sacrificed their life in the independence struggle. It is not enough if we hoist the tricolour and sing national anthem, we need to spread the message of our sacrifices to the future generations. Else, traitors will keep preaching us patriotism. It is the Congressmen who fought for independence but they are trying to defame these leaders,' he said. 'The Opposition asks about the contribution of the Congress party for the independence struggle. It is the Congress which got our country independence, national anthem, national flag. The tricolour is etched on our chest. It is the Congress which gave Indians individual, religious, intellectual, social, economic freedom.' 'We need to fight those who are denigrating the Constitution. We need to protect the aspirations of the Constitution. Vote theft is detrimental to the country as it jeopardizes the spirit of free and fair elections. Our leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have launched a nation-wide fight against vote theft from Karnataka.' Speaking to media later, he said, 'There is a new wave in the country. It is good to see all non-BJP parties joining hands. I am confident that there will be a massive change in the days to come.'
