20 feared dead in flyover collapse

Hyderabad, Sep 9 (UNI) At least 20 people were feared dead and another 20 injured when a portion of an under construction, flyover at arterial Panjagutta junction caved in here tonight.

Over ten cars, eight autos and few two-wheelers were trapped under the debris.

The ill-fated vehicles were passing under the narrow end of the thoroughfare, when the 200-meter-long pannel, weighing few tonnes, collapsed.

While three bodies were seen, the rescue works were hampered following the 57.6 mm rainfall the city received within two hours span.

Heavy duty cranes were pressed into service, along with flame cutters, to clear the debris.

The injured were rushed to the nearby corporate hospitals.

An injured autorickshaw driver, Srinivas (38), who was admitted to the NIMS, was said to be out of danger.

Initially, the rescue operations were carried out by the locals, who took the injured to the hospitals.

Ambulances reached the spot only after 90 minutes of the accident.

Chief Minister Rajasekhara Reddy visited the spot and instructed the officials and police to do the needful.

Police said a case was registered against the contractor 'Gaman India'.

Eyewitnesses indicated that the flyover, under construction, lacked adequate support facilities.

Leader of the Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu, who visited the spot, alleged that the incident occurred due to the substandard quality in consturction.

UNI