12 Dead, Many Trapped As Under Construction Flyover Collapses In Varanasi

Flyover collapse in Varanasi: Two pillars of the flyover collapsed, crushing people and vehicles under it.

VARANASI: 

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Concrete slab crushes people and vehicles under it
2. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath sends two ministers to the spot
3. National Disaster Response Force team sent for rescue operations

 At least 18 people have died and several are feared trapped after a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi today. Two pillars of the under-construction flyover collapsed in Varanasi's Cantt area, bringing a huge slab of concrete down, crushing cars and a local bus under it.

Three people have been pulled out of the debris. Many of those trapped are reported to be laborers who were working on the flyover.

Five teams of the National Disaster Response Force or NDRF have been deployed to lead the rescue operations. Dozens of policemen are also present at the spot.

Eight cranes are being used to try to lift the debris and a crane with a 200-tonne lifting capacity is also being called in.

Officials say gas cutters are being used and the first priority is to pull out those trapped.

An eyewitness, who was 50 meters from the collapse site, said the help came in after an hour. "Four cars, an auto-rickshaw, and a minibus were crushed by it... The help came after an hour," the eyewitness said.

The flyover, 2261 meters in length and at a cost of Rs. 129 crore, was being built by the Uttar Pradesh State Bridge Corporation and 56 percent construction had been completed. The portion of the flyover that fell had been laid as recently as February.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an inquiry report in 48 hours and has also directed his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya and minister Neelkanth Tiwari to visit the spot. "The chief minister has expressed grief and directed the administration to speed up rescue operation," UP minister Sidharth Nath Singh told ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted to say that he has spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible support to those affected. "I spoke to UP CM Yogi Adityanath Ji regarding the situation due to the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi. The US Government is monitoring the situation very closely and is working on the ground to assist the affected," he said.

The Congress tweeted to say, "We are deeply saddened by the news of the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi. Our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives. We wish those who have injured a speedy recovery."

Former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav appealed to the workers of his Samajwadi Party to assist the rescue teams. He also tweeted, "I hope the government will not just wash their hands off by paying compensation, rather will order a fair investigation."