Bridge collapses hours before inspection by minister

Tiruchirapalli, Apr 11 (UNI) One person was injured when four girders, placed atop the piers put up for a new bridge across the Upparu near here for the Tiruchirapalli-Chennai four-lane highway project, collapsed.

The incident took place hours before Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T R Baalu was scheduled to inspect the progress of the works on the four-lane project on the stretch.

NHAI sources said the concrete girders, each weighing about 120 tonne, were erected atop the piers a few days back. The girders would support the deck slabs and enable equal distribution of weight. Work on laying the deck slabs were about to commence in a day or two. One of the girders slipped from its position leading to a chain reaction this morning.

The injured Sarkar (25), who was at the construction site, sustained minor injuries. He was rushed to a hospital near here.

Talking to newspersons here last night, Mr Baalu said he had advised the officials concerned to take more care before undertaking such works in the future.

UNI RV DS 1440