Bridge collapse toll 30,NHAI launches probe

A four-member expert committee had been set up to probe the collapse of the partially-constructed bridge which gave way over river Chambal on Thursday,a top NHAI official told reporters.

The collapse is prima facie a case of human negligence with little possibility of any technical fault or the design, said Subash Patel,Director in the Technical Board of the National Highway Authority of India. Virtually giving a clean chit to the two construction companies Gammon India and Hyundai he said these would carry on the work as we express our trust and confidence in their capacity. The NHAI had announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each bereaved family,he said.

Terming the accident as the worst tragedy in recent memory,Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said he had directed all departments,engaged in construction work,to maintain quality standards.

To a question,Gehlot said it was up to the NHAI to revive the construction of the single span bridge over the Chambal river.

A senior official of Gammon India said the company had decided to give Rs 2 lakh as ex gratia to the next of kin of those killed.