Motihari: Another under-construction bridge collapsed in Bihar, third accident in a week

Motihari: An under-construction mini bridge collapsed in East Champaran district on Sunday. This is the third such incident in Bihar in less than a week, officials said. No casualties were reported in the incident in Motihari’s Ghodasahan block, they said. The 16-metre-long bridge was being constructed by the state’s Rural Works Department (RWD) over a canal to connect Amwa village with other areas of the block. It was being built at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore. RWD Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar Singh said, “The exact cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained. This is a serious matter and a departmental inquiry has been ordered. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty.” He said, “Senior officials of the district administration have reached the spot. A detailed report is awaited.” District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal said the exact cause of the incident was being ascertained. “There are reports that a section of locals had initially objected to the construction of some pillars of the bridge. Police are also investigating the matter.” On Saturday, a small bridge collapsed in Siwan district. It was built on a canal connecting villages of Daraunda and Maharajganj blocks. Earlier on Tuesday, a newly constructed bridge of about 180 meters in Araria district collapsed. There have been several accidents involving big and small bridges built on rivers and other water bodies in the state. Though there have been no casualties in such incidents, these have raised questions on the quality of public works.