Varanasi flyover collapses, CM Yogi Adityanath announces Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia

portion of an under-construction flyover, near the railway station in Varanasi, collapsed on Tuesday killing at least 18 persons while more were feared trapped under the debris, officials said.

The incident occurred post-noon, officials said adding rescue teams were rushed to the spot.

Three people were admitted to the Kabir Chaura Hospital after getting injured in an under-construction flyover collapse incident in Varanasi on Tuesday yesterday.

Doctor said, “They all are out of danger now. All the critically injured have been referred to BHU.”

It is said that the bridge collapsed because of improper construction of several pillars.

Collapse site (Image: PTI)

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the incident.

After being held responsible for today’s incident, chief project manager HC Tiwari, project manager KR Sudan, assistant engineer Rajesh Singh & engineer Lal Chand have been suspended with immediate effect. UP dy CM KP Maurya made an announcement in this regard.

Yogi Adityanath has set up a three-member committee to probe the flyover collapse. The committee has been asked to furnish a report within 48 hours.

The chief minister directed the district administration and PWD officials to take all necessary steps for relief and rescue operations.

CM has announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for seriously injured.

“Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi. I pray that the injured recover soon. Spoke to officials and asked them to ensure all possible support to those affected,” he tweeted.

Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi. I pray that the injured recover soon. Spoke to officials and asked them to ensure all possible support to those affected.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 15, 2018

In another tweet, he said he had spoken with UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

“The UP Government is monitoring the situation very closely and is working on the ground to assist the affected,” the tweet read.

I spoke to UP CM Yogi Adityanath Ji regarding the situation due to the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi. The UP Government is monitoring the situation very closely and is working on the ground to assist the affected.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 15, 2018