Varanasi flyover accident: Forensic team probe underway

Forensic team conducted investigation at the spot of the flyover accident in Varanasi in which 15 were killed and 11 others injured. The probe committee refused to comment on the incidnet until completion of the investigation.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for critically injured. He also set up a high-powered three-member panel under agriculture production commissioner Raj Pratap Singh to look into the accident, which will submit a preliminary report within 48 hours.

Raj Pratap Singh, member of the probe committee said, "I can't say anything at this moment. Until we complete the investigation, talk to everyone & check all the records, it won't be right to say anything."

R Mittal, MD,Bridge Corporation, said, "We think the lock of the bearing underneath the beam broke due to recent thunderstorms in the region that led to accident. Traffic should've been diverted away from construction site.We should learn from this incident."

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Raj Babbar met victims of Varanasi flyover collapse. He said, " 'I have been informed that in order to complete the flyover before elections, 3 Vinayak Temples were demolished. People here believe that the incident is a consequence of the curse of demolishing temples."

Forensic experts at the spot

Forensic experts investigate at the flyover-collapse site, in Varanasi on Wednesday, a day after the mishap. (PTI Photo)

Rescue work underway

Rescue work underway after a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed, in Varanasi on Wednesday. At least 18 people were killed and over a dozen injured in the incident yesterday. (PTI Photo)

Vehicles crushed

People look at the vehicles crushed under the flyover at the collapse site in Varanasi on Wednesday, a day after the mishap. PTI Photo

A crushed car

A crushed car after a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed, leaving at least 12 dead, in Varanasi on Tuesday. (PTI Photo)