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Bridge collapse: 2 more bodies recovered; CM orders probe
An old bridge near Ban Talab collapsed on May 1, trapping four workers. A mason was rescued and one labourer’s body was recovered that evening. By May 2, two more bodies were found, bringing the toll to three, as authorities suspended two engineers and ordered a probe, with the CM calling for a detailed inquiry.
Why It Matters
The incident prompted immediate government action, including suspensions and a formal probe, highlighting accountability and safety oversight for critical infrastructure projects.
Timeline
4 Events
CM Omar Abdullah orders detailed inquiry; condolences and accountability directions
May 2, 2026
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directed authorities to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident to ascertain the cause and fix responsibility. He expressed sorrow for the loss and wished a speedy recovery for the injured workers.
Deputy Chief Minister orders suspension of two engineers; probe to be completed in five days
May 2, 2026
Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary, who reached the spot at midnight, announced the suspension of assistant executive engineer Sahil Verma and junior engineer Sajad Mir, with orders to attach the executive engineer. He directed that a probe into the incident be completed within five days.
Two more bodies recovered; toll rises to three; rescue ends around 1 am; mason stable in hospital
May 2, 2026
During the 12-hour search operation that continued through the night under floodlights, two more bodies were pulled from the debris, taking the toll to three. The rescue operation concluded around 1 am, and the rescued mason was undergoing treatment at a hospital and was stated to be stable.
Bridge collapse in Ban Talab area; four labourers trapped; mason rescued; body of labourer recovered; road closed
May 1, 2026
An old bridge adjoining an under-construction structure collapsed in the Ban Talab area on Friday evening. Four labourers, including a mason, were trapped. The mason was rescued and the body of a labourer was recovered on Friday evening. Authorities closed the road link following the collapse.