AMN / VARANASI
At least 18 people were killed when two beams of an under construction flyover near the railway station in Varanasi collapsed today.
Principle Secretary Home Arvind Kumar said that 16 bodies have been recovered so far.
He said, 3 persons have been rescued. According to sources, death toll is likely to rise as several people are feared to be buried under the rubble. Sources said, some vehicles were also crushed in the incident.
Senior officials from Local administration and UP Bridge Coronation have reached the spot and rescue and relief operation is in full swing.
NRDF teams have also reached the spot. Cranes have been pushed into operation to remove collapsed beams and debris.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also set up a committee to probe into the accident.
Mr Adityanath has also announced financial assistance of five lakh rupees to next kin of each deceased and two lakhs rupees to each injured.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and State Minister of Information Neelkanth Tiwari have reached Varanasi to monitor relief operations.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and State Minister of Information Neelkanth Tiwari have reached Varanasi to monitor relief operations.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has set up a three member committee under chairmanship of Agriculture Production Commissioner RP Singh to probe the unfortunate accident and submit its report within 48 hours including its all aspects.
Engineer-in-Chief Irrigation Department Bhupendra Sharma and Managing Director UP Jal Nigam Rajesh Mittal are members of the probe committee.
Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind said, he is shocked to learn about the tragedy at flyover construction site in Varanasi.
In a tweet, Mr Kovind said, administration is making all efforts to rescue and help those affected.