Another bridge collapses in Bihar before inauguration, caught on video

New Delhi: Newly constructed bridge in Araria, Bihar, dramatically collapsed into the Bakra River on Tuesday, raising concerns about construction quality and sparking outrage from locals. The incident, captured on video circulating online, shows a section of the bridge shattering and plummeting into the river. Locals allege the collapse occurred due to negligence by the contractor and supervising department.

बिहार के अररिया में नदी के ऊपर बना पुल उदघाटन से पहले ही गिर गया !! pic.twitter.com/yi21P9OICF

— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) June 18, 2024

Bridge built at a cost of ₹12 crore never saw completion

Constructed at Padkiya Ghat in Sikti block at a reported cost of ₹12 crore, the bridge was never inaugurated. Video footage suggests the bridge hadn't even been in use for a year. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation. However, locals point to three pillars being swept away by the river, hinting at potential structural issues.

#WATCH | Bihar | A portion of a bridge over the Bakra River has collapsed in Araria pic.twitter.com/stjDO2Xkq3

— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2024

People demand answers as authorities investigate

The bridge collapse has understandably shaken the people of Araria. Residents are demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible. They fear the incident could be indicative of a larger problem with infrastructure projects in the region. Authorities are currently reviewing the situation and haven't released an official statement yet.