Bridge collapse: DC institutes inquiry

Shillong, January 5: The West Garo hill district administration has instituted an inquiry into incident of the collapse of an under construction bridge in Tura injuring three persons on Saturday.

West Garo hills deputy commissioner Pravin Bakshi said that the extra assistant commissioner Tangchiring K Sangma has been appointed to conduct an inquiry into the incident and submit the report in a week’s time. She will be assisted by an executive engineer of DRDA.

Bakshi informed prima facie evidence points to the poor quality of civil works and negligence and the police can registered a case against the contractor in a day or two after lodging a proper FIR.

Bakshi also informed that the contractor has been questioned by police and his detention will be possible once an FIR has been filed, Bakshi also said even the PWD (roads) officials will be questioned and consulted by the enquiring officer.

The work of the Akonggre bridge in Tura was given to  Cartus Marak.

Technical experts from PWD department, who did not wished to be quoted said, “The bridge collapsed because the supporting stealth’s were not enough to hold the weight of the casting”. It looks like that the PWD office had neglected the construction, which is one of the prime reasons for the collapse of the bridge.

Meanwhile the three people who sustained injuries in the mishap and are undergoing treatment at Tura Civil hospital.- By Our Reporter