In the wake of the collapse of an under-construction bridge spanning the Koshi River, between Supaul and Madhubani districts in Bihar, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha declared compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for each injured party.
Sinha further stated that the central administration has issued explicit directives to address all medical needs of the laborers and to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident. “I have recently inspected the bridge collapse. During the segment’s lifting, it plummeted, causing injuries to workers. Eleven workers sustained injuries, with ten now in stable condition, while tragically one succumbed. The company will provide compensation to both the injured and the deceased: Rs 10 lakh for the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for each injured worker. The situation remains under close observation. The Indian government is steadfast in its commitment to addressing all medical requirements of the workers and ensuring a fair investigation,” Sinha conveyed to ANI.
Additionally, the Deputy Chief Minister pledged to personally visit the injured parties on Saturday, accompanied by his team. The 10.2 km bridge over the Koshi River, connecting Bakaur in Supaul district to Bheja in Madhubani district, was under construction by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
An observer of the incident, Dharmendra Yadav, recounted, “Approximately ten to eleven individuals were laboring at the construction site when it collapsed, resulting in numerous severe injuries.” The Bihar government offered Rs 10 lakh compensation for the deceased and Rs one lakh each for the injured.
“A section of the bridge gave way, leading to one fatality and ten injuries. The injured individuals are receiving treatment and are in stable condition. Rs 10 lakh ex gratia for the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured have been announced. We are employing cranes to ascertain if more individuals are trapped,” stated Supaul District Magistrate Kaushal Kumar.
Meanwhile, the Bihar government has reiterated its resolve to hold accountable those implicated in any wrongdoing.
