Bihar Bridge Horror: Fatal Collapse Unveiled

In Supaul, Bihar, a tragic incident unfolded as a segment of an in-progress bridge spanning the Kosi River collapsed near Maricha, between Bheja-Bakaur, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries on Friday. Intelligence suggests that sections of pillars numbered 50, 51, and 52 gave way, prompting ongoing rescue efforts.

Reports indicate that a mammoth project, the nation’s lengthiest road bridge, was in the works with an estimated expenditure of Rs 1200 crore. This expansive bridge, stretching approximately 10.2 kilometers, was slated to stand on a total of 171 pillars, with 150 already in place. Upon completion, this monumental bridge was poised to slash the distance between Supaul and Madhubani by 30 kilometers.

This calamity echoes a previous collapse scenario, where an under-construction bridge in Bhagalpur, Bihar, crumbled into the Ganga river with alarming similarity. The Aguwani Sultanganj Ganga bridge, allocated a budget of Rs 1,717 crore, was under development in Khagaria, Bihar.

The incident has spurred Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into the matter, urging the swift identification of those liable for the collapse. This bridge aimed to forge a link between Bhagalpur and Khagaria. Subsequent to the disaster, the lifeless body of the absent security guard was discovered ten days later amidst the flood plains of Kauwakol block.