Jammu bridge collapse: Dy CM suspends engineers, orders inquiry
A portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed in Jammu's Bantalab area on May 1, 2026, trapping several labourers. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary suspended two engineers and ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Rescue operations are underway to free the trapped workers.
Key Highlights
- Under-construction bridge collapses in Jammu's Bantalab area.
- Several labourers trapped under debris; rescue operations in progress.
- Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary suspends two engineers.
- A high-level inquiry committee has been constituted.
- The incident raises concerns about construction safety standards.
An under-construction bridge in the Bantalab area of Jammu city collapsed on May 1, 2026, leading to a critical rescue operation and administrative action. The incident, which occurred around midday, resulted in a portion of the bridge caving in, trapping several labourers beneath the debris.
Immediate rescue efforts were launched, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local authorities, mobilising to the site. Heavy machinery was deployed to clear the rubble in a race against time to save the trapped workers. According to initial reports, six labourers were trapped, and two were successfully rescued. However, four labourers remained trapped under the debris, and intensive efforts were made to extricate them safely.
In response to the incident, Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Surinder Choudhary, took swift action. He ordered the suspension of two engineers, an Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) and a Junior Engineer, pending an inquiry into their conduct. Furthermore, a high-level, three-member inquiry committee was constituted by the Public Works (R&B) Department to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse. This committee, chaired by Er. Purshotam Kumar, Secretary Technical and Engineer-in-Chief of the department, has been tasked with identifying any dereliction of duty, fixing responsibility, and recommending preventive measures.
Preliminary indications suggest that the collapse may have occurred during foundation strengthening work. One local leader, BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma, speculated that vibrations from ongoing excavation or the movement of a vehicle might have triggered the mishap, given that the bridge was old and its foundation was being reinforced. The cause of the collapse is officially under investigation, with authorities not ruling out other factors.
This incident brings to the forefront ongoing concerns regarding the safety standards and quality of construction in public infrastructure projects in the region. Previous incidents, such as the repeated collapses of the Fourth Tawi Bridge due to structural issues and floods, highlight a pattern of concern over bridge integrity in Jammu and Kashmir. The swift administrative response, including the suspension of engineers and the formation of an inquiry committee, signifies an effort to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
The news was published on May 1, 2026.
**Timeline of Events (May 1, 2026):**
* Morning/Afternoon: Portion of an under-construction bridge collapses in Bantalab, Jammu.
* Immediately following: Rescue operations commence with NDRF, SDRF, and local authorities.
* Throughout the day: Efforts to rescue trapped labourers continue; two rescued, four remain trapped.
* Afternoon/Evening: Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary suspends two engineers and orders a high-level inquiry.
* Subsequent: Inquiry committee formally constituted to investigate the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did the bridge collapse occur?
The under-construction bridge collapsed in the Bantalab area of Jammu on May 1, 2026.
How many labourers were trapped, and how many were rescued?
Initially, six labourers were reported trapped. Two have been rescued, while four remain trapped under the debris.
What action has been taken by the authorities?
The Deputy Chief Minister has suspended two engineers and ordered a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the incident and suggest preventive measures.