In a heart-wrenching incident early Thursday morning, tragedy struck in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh when a section of an under-construction bridge collapsed, resulting in the loss of six workers’ lives. The accident occurred amidst heavy rainfall, raising concerns about construction safety during adverse weather conditions.

The ill-fated bridge was being built over the Betwa River, connecting the villages of Morakandar and Kandaur. The collapse happened around 2 AM, reportedly when several laborers sought refuge under a hydra crane to escape the relentless downpour. This unfortunate decision turned fatal as the structure gave way.

Rescue operations were promptly initiated following the incident, with officials from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed to the site to assist in the recovery efforts. Additional Superintendent of Police for Hamirpur, Arvind Kumar Verma, confirmed that at least two individuals remained trapped under the debris, heightening the urgency of the rescue mission.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his profound sorrow over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. In a statement, he directed local authorities to expedite rescue operations, ensuring that they work closely with emergency response teams.

The incident has once again highlighted the critical need for stringent safety standards and protocols in construction, especially during periods of inclement weather. As the state grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, it is essential for all stakeholders involved in construction projects to prioritize worker safety to prevent such heartbreaking occurrences in the future.