Umerkote: One worker lost his life while six others sustained injuries after the concrete slab of under-construction Biju Setu collapsed in Nabarangpur district on Sunday. The mishap occurred in the evening near Talapadar in Umerkote area of the district where the bridge construction work was being undertaken by the rural development department.

Talking to media persons on Monday, Superintendent Engineer of Sunabeda Rural Works Division, Pradip Jena, said that while weak centring is suspected to be the reason behind the mishap, the exact cause of the mishap can be ascertained after further probe.

Reportedly at around 4.55 PM on Sunday, a Class-IV employee of the Rural Works Department, Mahendra Mali, died after a slab of the under-construction Biju Setu collapsed. Three labourers identified as Santosh Bhoi (32), Ramesh Bhoi (5) and Prakash Tandi (50) were also injured in the mishap.

Locals of the region expressed disappointment and alleged inferior work and improper maintenance of safety measures during the construction as reasons behind the incident.

Following the incident, Nabarangpur Collector Ajit Kumar Mishra, SP Prahalad Sahai Meena reached the spot and took stock of the situation. Development Commissioner Pradeep Jena has directed the Collector to submit a report in this regard. Supdt. Engineer Jena along with Quality Control Team reached the site today for a preliminary investigation into the matter. The team has inspected designs of the centring for further probe into the matter.

Relief for Kangana Ranaut, HC extends protection from arrest till Jan 25

MP: Three accused arrested, gang-raped woman for not giving water

Akshay Kumar brought back scheme to 'double money in 25 days'