LUCKNOW: Two labourers sustained serious injuries after a massive beam of an under-construction bridge collapsed during installation work over the Sharda Canal on National Highway-731 in Hardoi district on Monday morning, triggering a major rescue operation and prompting the state government to order an inquiry into the incident.According to officials, the accident occurred at around 10.20 am near Todarpur while a beam was being placed on the under-construction bridge being built over the Sharda Canal on the Lucknow-Shahjahanpur-Palia National Highway.The bridge project is reportedly being executed by RCL Company.Preliminary information suggests that workers were in the process of installing a heavy concrete beam, estimated to be around 70 feet in length, with the help of two large cranes positioned on either side of the structure.During the lifting operation, the beam allegedly lost balance and suddenly crashed to the ground.The falling beam struck workers present at the site, trapping some of them under debris and causing panic among labourers and project personnel. Local authorities were immediately informed, following which senior district officials rushed to the spot.District magistrate Anunaya Jha, superintendent of police Ashok Kumar Meena, and Shahabad sub-divisional magistrate Sushil Kumar Mishra reached the accident site and supervised rescue operations. Multiple cranes, JCB machines and ambulances were deployed to clear the debris and evacuate the injured.The injured workers were initially taken to the Todarpur Community Health Centre and later referred to the District Medical College due to the seriousness of their injuries.Officials identified the injured as Rahul, 30, and Rajeshwar, both residents of Sidhauli. Their condition was stated to be critical.In an official statement, the district administration confirmed that two persons were injured in the incident and that efforts were underway to remove the collapsed beam. Authorities also stated that there was no law-and-order issue at the site.Meanwhile, chief minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the accident and directed senior officials to immediately reach the spot and expedite relief and rescue measures. He instructed that the rescue operation be intensified with the assistance of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and ordered officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.The chief minister also directed district authorities to meet the affected families and provide all necessary assistance. He expressed concern over the incident and wished the injured workers a speedy recovery.The district administration has ordered a high-level inquiry into the bridge collapse.Investigators will examine whether the accident resulted from a technical failure during the lifting process or from negligence on the part of the construction agency.The findings of the probe are expected to determine accountability and recommend further action.
