Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government formed a three-person investigation team on Sunday to investigate the incident after the tragic bridge in Cuttack collapsed. The team's mission is to submit a report within 15 days.
State law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, who spoke to media personnel in Bhubaneswar, confirmed the formation of the investigation team.
He asserted: “If there were no mistakes, such a tragic event would not have occurred. The investigation would determine the location of the fault and would take strict action against the person in charge.” The minister also informed him that the incident had been briefed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The accident took place on Saturday night at a construction site on a new bridge on the Kathajodi River in the Khannagar region of Cuttack. According to officials, a prefabricated concrete slab was lifted by a crane when the machine was reportedly malfunctioning, causing the slab to fall and crush five workers, including engineers and two workers.
The emergency team drove all five victims to the SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack. Although two workers were pronounced dead on arrival, the engineer succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The other two victims remained in critical condition.
After the incident, a three-member investigation committee visited the scene of the accident and began a detailed investigation, accompanied by a local subgroup, Labor officials and executive engineers from the engineering department. The team is expected to check for technical errors, comply with safety protocols, and operating conditions of the machinery involved.
Speaking to the media, Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo confirmed a preliminary probe pointing out the mechanical failure of the crane while lifting the plate. “The victims include workers in Odisha and West Bengal. After a thorough investigation, more details will appear,” he said.
