Uttar Pradesh: Under construction flyover collapses in Varanasi, 16 dead

At least 16 were people killed and several feared trapped after a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed in Varanasi's Cantt. area on Monday. Rescue operations are underway.

Three people have been safely rescued, sais relief Commissioner Sanjay Kumar. Five teams of NDRF (250 jawans) with full equipment have been rushed to the spot of the accident.

ANI quoted an eye-witness at Varanasi's Cantt area, saying, "I was at a distance of 50 m from the flyover when it collapsed, trapping people under it. 4 four-wheelers, an auto-rickshaw & a minibus were crushed by it. The help came after an hour."

PM Modi tweeted, "Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi. I pray that the injured recover soon. Spoke to officials and asked them to ensure all possible support to those affected."

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief at the tragic incident. in Varanasi. The CM has directed the district administration to do all possible help for the people by speeding the rescue work. Deputy Chief Minister Keshava Prasad Maurya will arrive in Varanasi sometime.

More details awaited.