What Happened When an Under-Construction Bridge's Slab Collapsed in Gujarat?
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Synopsis
A bridge slab collapse in Khambhat has left one labourer injured and another trapped under debris. As rescue efforts unfold, serious allegations of negligence against the contractor have emerged, raising questions about safety protocols on construction sites. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about worker safety in the construction industry.
Key Takeaways
- The bridge slab collapse occurred during construction in Khambhat, Gujarat.
- One labourer was injured, while another remains trapped under debris.
- Allegations of negligence against the contractor have surfaced.
- Rescue operations are ongoing to locate the trapped labourer.
- Previous incidents in the area highlight ongoing safety concerns in construction.
Khambhat, June 6 (NationPress) A labourer has sustained injuries while another has become trapped beneath the rubble following the sudden collapse of a bridge slab under construction in Gujarat's Khambhat.
Initial reports indicate that one of the workers incurred serious injuries and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Efforts to locate the second labourer, who remains trapped, are currently ongoing as rescue teams work tirelessly.
The incident transpired abruptly during the construction process, according to officials.
Immediately after the incident, local authorities, including the Mamlatdar, police teams, and personnel from the Fire Department, arrived at the scene to aid in rescue efforts and evaluate the situation. This bridge is part of an infrastructure project valued at Rs 8 crore currently in progress in the area.
In the aftermath of the collapse, accusations of severe negligence have been levied against the contractor managing the construction project.
Residents have claimed that the contractor has failed to implement basic safety protocols at the work site, such as providing necessary protective gear for the labourers.
One local expressed concern, stating, "Workers are frequently seen at the site without helmets, harnesses, or other vital safety equipment," highlighting ongoing safety oversights.
Police officials have summoned the contractor for interrogation and have recorded his account. Authorities have confirmed that if negligence is proven during the investigation, criminal charges will be pursued.
The condition of the injured labourer is reported as critical, while rescue teams are racing against time to find the missing worker trapped beneath the fallen concrete.
In a related tragic event, another accident occurred in October 2024 in Mehsana district's Jasalpur village, where nine labourers lost their lives and one was injured due to soil caving in while they were digging a 16-foot-deep pit for a tank at a factory site. The victims, aged between 20 and 30, were buried under debris, leading to a two-hour rescue operation.
Additionally, in August 2023, a worker died and six others were injured when a girder launcher collapsed at the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor construction site near Karjan in Vadodara district. This incident occurred during the repositioning of the launching gantry, resulting in the tragic accident.
Point of View
It is paramount to address the issue of worker safety in construction projects. The tragic events in Khambhat highlight the urgent need for stricter safety regulations and accountability among contractors. Our commitment is to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and that measures are put in place to protect the lives of workers across the nation.
NationPress
07/06/2025
