Late-night disaster on Betwa river

At least six labourers were killed early Friday after a concrete slab of an under-construction bridge collapsed on the Betwa river in Hamirpur district. The incident took place around 3 AM when a sudden, intense storm accompanied by heavy rain swept through the region.

Officials said the workers were either sleeping or working underneath the slab when the supporting structure gave way. The collapse trapped several people under heavy debris. Rescue teams have since pulled out six bodies, but officials fear the number could rise.

Storm triggers collapse

Eyewitnesses and preliminary reports indicate that the severe weather was the immediate trigger. According to Suresh Kumar, a labourer who was on top of the bridge when the storm hit, the wind turned violently around midnight.

“Those from the first shift were resting below. Seven of us from the second shift were working on top. We just lay down flat to save ourselves from the storm. That’s when the slab fell,” Kumar said. He survived but saw colleagues get buried.

Rescue operation underway

A joint rescue operation involving local police, disaster response teams, and JCB machines is active at the site. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) reached the spot by early morning. Officials are removing the concrete rubble piece by piece.

ASP Arvind Kumar Verma confirmed that the alert came in around 2 AM. “Six people are still trapped under the debris. Five have been identified so far,” he said. Senior district officials, including the DM, are present on the ground.

Victims identified

Among the deceased, four hailed from Banda district, while two were from Hamirpur. They have been identified as Lokendra Nishad (22), Kuldeep Nishad (19), Sawant Yadav (28), Sabhajeet (30), Pushpendra Singh Chauhan (34), and Rajesh Pal (42). Family members of the victims, including Rajesh Pal’s young daughters, broke down on reaching the spot.

Officials promise action

Managing Director of the UP Bridge Corporation, Dharmveer Singh, said the bridge was still under construction. “Strong winds disturbed the support system placed beneath the slabs. That caused the segment to collapse. Workers sleeping below had no chance,” he said.

Singh added that the corporation and local administration will conduct a joint investigation. A third-party audit by IIT BHU was already in process for the structure. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the accident. Local BJP MP Brij Lal said the government will investigate and “action will be taken against those responsible.”

What happens next

Rescue work continues as authorities clear heavy debris. Officials have not yet ruled out more casualties. The district administration has announced assistance for the families of the deceased. For now, questions are being raised about safety protocols at the site, especially for overnight shifts during unpredictable weather.