Investigation into Jajarkot bridge collapse begins

By Raju Lamichhane,Musikot, Apr. 30: The committee formed to probe the collapse of an under-construction Bailey bridge over the Thuli Bheri River in Tallubagar of Jajarkot district has begun its work.

Two workers were killed and seven others were injured after the under-construction bridge connecting Chhotebagar in Aathbiskot Municipality–4, Rukum (West) with Tallubagar in Nalgaad Municipality–12, Jajarkot district collapsed on April 20.

Following the incident, the Road Division formed a four-member probe committee led by Rupkaraj Bhandari, head of the Federal Road Supervision and Monitoring Office, Surkhet.

The members of the probe committee reached the spot on Thursday and started the task of investigation.

Committee coordinator Bhandari said after carrying out detailed studies they would prepare and submit a report along with the actual damages caused by the incident to the Road Division.

“The report will be prepared after collecting details on the incidents from the labourers, eyewitnesses, site engineers, supervisors and the construction company,” he added.

The probe has been given 15 days to submit the detailed report, he said, adding, “So we are working to prepare a report and submit it to the division within the given time frame.”

Road Division Office, Chaurjahari had also monitored the incident.

Ashutosh Karna, head of the division office, said that the incident took place after the crane was installed on the under-construction bridge.

The crane was installed on the bridge to ease the supply of construction materials from the ground.

He suspected that the bridge collapsed as it could not bear the load of the crane.

The 48-metre-long bridge was being constructed by Himsagarmatha Khadka Krishna JV at a cost of Rs. 38.4 million, informed the Road Division Office, Chaurjahari.

The incident happened when the bridge construction was at its final stage.