Munish Sood
HAMIRPUR
A major accident occurred on Friday during the construction of a four-lane project in Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur district when a section of a 90-metre-long under-construction truss bridge collapsed during the launching operation, leaving three persons injured.
The incident occurred at Massiyana on the Hamirpur Bypass (NH-103), which forms part of the Shimla-Mataur corridor. The bridge was being launched using the pushing method when the launching nose, after being positioned over the pier cap, suddenly collapsed, causing the truss structure to fall.
According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the collapse was caused by a mechanical failure during the launching operation. The authority clarified that there was no damage to the bridge piers.
Three persons sustained injuries in the incident and were shifted to the nearest hospital in Hamirpur for medical treatment. Rescue and relief operations were launched at the site immediately after the accident.
The incident triggered panic at the construction site, with workers and local residents rushing to assist in the rescue operation. Police, district administration and NHAI officials reached the spot and supervised the evacuation and relief efforts.
Preliminary reports had indicated that several workers were trapped following the collapse, prompting an intensive rescue operation involving machinery. However, NHAI’s official statement has confirmed three injured persons.
The bridge was being constructed as part of the ongoing four-laning works on the Shimla-Mataur corridor. The collapse occurred while the large steel truss was being moved into position, making the launching operation a key focus of the technical assessment.
NHAI has said that the circumstances leading to the mechanical failure are being examined. A detailed technical investigation is expected to establish the precise cause of the failure and assess the safety of the launching system used during the operation.
The incident has once again brought the focus on safety protocols and engineering checks involved in the launching of large steel structures on major highway projects.
