Saharanpur Incident: Two Workers Hurt as Pillar Falls on Delhi-Dehradun Highway

Synopsis
On March 24, a pillar collapsed on the under-construction Delhi-Dehradun highway in Saharanpur, injuring two workers. The incident led to a swift rescue operation involving local authorities and villagers. Investigations suggest the collapse may be linked to poor-quality materials used in construction, raising concerns about safety standards on such projects.
Key Takeaways
- Two workers injured in pillar collapse.
- Incident occurred near Mora village in Badgaon.
- Local authorities initiated a rapid rescue operation.
- Concerns raised over construction material quality.
- Investigation underway to determine accountability.
Saharanpur, March 24 (NationPress) A significant pillar has fallen on the Delhi-Dehradun highway, which is still under construction in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district, resulting in injuries to two workers, according to officials.
The collapse took place close to Mora village in Badgaon on Sunday evening, causing panic among local residents and highway officials. This triggered an urgent rescue effort by local agencies and disaster response teams.
Saharanpur Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shweta Pandey informed IANS, "An accident occurred on the under-construction Delhi-Dehradun Highway due to a significant slip caused by a crane. Upon notification, police and administrative personnel arrived at the scene. NHAI officials have verified that two workers sustained injuries, and misinformation is circulating on social media regarding other workers being trapped. The situation has now been stabilized."
Initial reports indicate that approximately six to seven workers were present beneath the pillar at the time of its sudden collapse.
The aftermath of the fall created confusion among highway officials, who rushed to evaluate the circumstances.
The local police station was quickly notified, and several officers were dispatched to the scene to manage the rescue operations.
As news of the incident spread, villagers from nearby areas congregated at the site, participating in the rescue efforts. Their rapid response, alongside official assistance, led to the successful rescue of four to five workers.
Preliminary investigations point towards the possibility that the collapse resulted from the use of inferior construction materials, with reports suggesting that thin iron rods and substandard materials were utilized in the construction of the pillars.
Sources have indicated that the pillar failed immediately upon placement, resulting in this unfortunate event.
Local authorities have committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation into the reasons behind the pillar's collapse and ensuring accountability for those responsible.
The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway project, part of a significant infrastructure development effort, has now been overshadowed by this tragic occurrence.
Residents and workers have voiced serious concerns regarding the safety standards of ongoing construction projects.
Many have advocated for enhanced oversight and stricter regulations to avert similar accidents in the future, emphasizing the necessity for safer working environments.