West Bengal: After Majerhat, another bridge collapses in Siliguri

The latest incidents in the state have put the spotlight on the conditions of bridges in West Bengal once again.

Three after Majerhat bridge collapsed in south Kolkata, a canal bridge in Siliguri's Phansidewa subsided early morning on Friday in West Bengal. (ANI)

New Delhi: Three after Majerhat bridge collapsed in south Kolkata, a canal bridge in Siliguri's Phansidewa subsided early morning on Friday in West Bengal. The bridge over Pichla river in Phansidewa block came down when a lorry carrying bricks was crossing it. The truck, which was crossing the bridge, is still hanging from the broken portion of the structure that connects the Manganj area to Siliguri, a major city in north Bengal. However, no casualty has been reported so far. The truck driver was injured and has been rushed to the hospital. More details related to the incident are awaited. The latest incidents in the state have put the spotlight on the conditions of bridges in West Bengal once again, questioning the type of infrastructure being built in the state.

A canal bridge in Siliguri's Phansidewa collapsed early morning today. More details awaited. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/pb542LHdqj

— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2018

Meanwhile, another body was recovered on Thursday from the debris of the collapsed Majerhat bridge, taking the toll in the mishap to three. The body was identified as that of Goutam Mondal (45), a labourer from Murshidabad district who was missing along with another labourer Pranab Dey since the accident on Tuesday. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee yesterday told reporters that the rescue operation was complete. She said the Metro Railways has been asked to stop its work at Majerhat temporarily till a committee headed by Chief Secretary Moloy Dey gives its report within a week. This is the third bridge collapse in the city since 2013. An under-construction flyover had collapsed in the crowded Burrabazar area, the wholesale business hub of the city, on March 31, 2016, claiming 26 lives. On March 4, 2013, a road bridge collapsed in Ultadanga area in the northern part of the city. There was no casualty. (With inputs from PTI)