Fatal Bridge Collapse in Madhya Pradesh: Man Dies Returning from Sister's Wedding

Bhopal:

A 35-year-old man, Devendra Singh Dhakad, has lost his life following the catastrophic bridge collapse in Nayagaon, Madhya Pradesh, located on the Bareilly-Pipariya State Highway. Devendra, who was returning after attending his sister's wedding celebration, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhopal late Monday night.

Following this tragic incident, authorities have completely shut down the bridge and initiated a high-level investigation. MPRDC Bareilly region Manager AA Khan has been suspended, while show-cause notices have been issued to the former divisional manager and assistant general managers. A three-member inquiry committee led by the chief engineer has been established with instructions to deliver a report within seven days.

The Nayagaon bridge suddenly collapsed on Monday morning while repair operations were being conducted beneath the structure. Two motorcycles crossing the bridge at that moment plunged with the collapsing section, resulting in severe injuries to four motorcyclists and one laborer. All injured individuals were initially transported to Bareilly Civil Hospital before being transferred to AIIMS Bhopal due to their critical conditions.

Six laborers working below the bridge narrowly escaped the collapse by running away as the structure began to fail; unfortunately, one laborer was struck by falling debris.

Devendra had participated in his sister's wedding ceremony just one day earlier in Shivni village along the same highway. The accident occurred Monday morning as he was traveling back to his village, Dhokhera, after saying goodbye to his sister. A former CRPF jawan, Devendra had been preparing for new employment opportunities. His wife works as a Patwari. The news of his death has left his family in profound grief.

The incident has sparked heated debates in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. Congress MLAs have alleged that traffic was permitted on the bridge despite ongoing repairs. MLA Vikrant Bhuria claimed the collapse revealed corruption and questioned claims of effective governance.

PWD Minister Rakesh Singh countered these accusations by stating that the bridge was originally constructed during Congress governance and was only undergoing repairs. He mentioned that a report had been requested from the MPRDC MD and action had been ordered against the responsible engineers.

The bridge, completed in 1980, had been identified with multiple structural deficiencies in surveys, including corrosion in slab reinforcement, accumulation of debris in expansion joints, and inadequate protection work.

Under the ADB-funded MPSRSP-2 scheme, a repair budget of Rs 98 lakh had been approved, and work was in progress when the collapse occurred. Notably, no repair or maintenance work had been performed since its original construction.