16 Dead In Varanasi Flyover Collapse

Varanasi: At least 16 people are feared dead after a portion of flyover collapsed in Varanasi’s Cantonment area.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to next of kin of the deceased and a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the injured.

“I express grief over the incident, my condolence with the affected families. I have sent Deputy Chief Minister (Keshav Prasad Maurya) and minister Neelkanth Tiwari to the spot. We have formed a committee to look into the incident. The report will come in 48 hours,” CM Adityabath was quoted by ANI.

Five teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been rushed to the incident spot.

“A flyover was under construction, which collapsed suddenly. At least seven to eight vehicles have been crushed and many people are still trapped. Relief works are currently going on. Police forces and voluntary organisations are present at the site. We are using cranes to lift the debris and rescue the trapped people. A committee has been formed under the directions of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister (Adityanath) to probe the accident and we will take strict action on those responsible,” said Chandra Prakash, Additional Director General (Crime).