Bomikhal bridge collapse: CM announces Rs 5L ex-gratia for kin of deceased

Bhubaneswar: Expressing profound grief over the death of one person in the bridge collapse at Bomikhal here on Sunday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh from the CMRF to the next of kin of the deceased. The treatment cost of the injured will be borne entirely by the state government, a release from the CMO office said.

Deputy Executive Engineers Bansidhar Praharaj and A E Kishore Rout have been placed under suspension, the release said.

According to reports, a father-daughter duo on a motorcycle was crushed under the falling chunk of the bridge. The man, identified as Satya Patnaik (40) of Jharpada, died on the spot while the girl, Sheetal, sustained grievous injuries. She was admitted to Capital Hospital here and later shifted to AIIMS when her condition deteriorated. As many 15 persons were injured in the mishap, which took place while the workers were busy plastering the roof of the under-construction flyover. A few more people are reportedly still trapped under the debris.

The Chief Minister has also asked the authorities to clear the debris on a war footing. A high-level inquiry has been ordered by Chief Engineer (Designs) and Chief Engineer (Roads). Exemplary action will be taken against those found guilty, the release added.