JAMMU, May 2, 2026 : A tragic incident unfolded on the outskirts of Jammu after a portion of an old bridge collapsed in the Thuther area of Bantalab, leaving three workers dead and two others injured. The accident triggered a massive rescue operation that continued for nearly 12 hours overnight.
According to officials, labourers were engaged in retaining wall construction and foundation work on the bridge—previously damaged in last year’s flash floods—when a section suddenly gave way, trapping four workers under the debris.
Rescue teams comprising Police, Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Fire & Emergency Services were immediately deployed. The operation, carried out under floodlights through the night, led to the recovery of three bodies and the rescue of two injured individuals.
One of the rescued workers was identified as Tarsem Lal, while another injured included Divisional Fire Officer Mohammad Jaffar, who sustained injuries after being struck by a boulder during the rescue efforts. Both injured persons have been shifted to hospital for treatment.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary rushed to the site at midnight, reviewed the situation, and took immediate administrative action. He ordered the suspension of two officers—Assistant Executive Engineer Sahil Verma and Junior Engineer Sajad Mir—while also directing the attachment of the Executive Engineer concerned.
“I have ordered a probe into the incident, which must be completed within five days,” Choudhary told reporters at the site, emphasizing accountability and swift action.
Following the directive, the government constituted a three-member inquiry committee headed by Purshotam Kumar, Secretary Technical (Engineer-in-Chief), Public Works (R&B) Department. Other members include Superintendent Engineer Arit Gupta and Executive Engineer Rajan Mengi.
Authorities have assured that the investigation will determine the причины behind the collapse and fix responsibility, while reiterating the need for strict adherence to safety standards in infrastructure works.
The incident has raised serious concerns over construction safety and monitoring mechanisms, especially in projects involving already weakened structures.
