Bridge collapse in Jammu traps four labourers; rescue operation underway

A portion of an underconstruction bridge collapsed in the Bantalab area of Jammu on Friday trapping several labourers under the debris and triggering an urgent rescue operation by disaster response teams reported ANISix labourers trapped two rescued so farAccording to local officials six labourers were initially trapped when the structure gave way Former Sarpanch Rajdev Singh said that two workers have been rescued while four remain trapped under the debris reported ANIVIDEO Rescue teams pull out a labourer from under the debris after a bridge collapse in Jammu relief operations are still underwayFull video available on httpstcon147TvrpG7 pictwittercomDRf2Nzz1ismdash Press Trust of India PTI_News May 1 2026Rescue teams are continuing efforts to reach those still stuck with authorities expressing hope that the remaining labourers will be brought out safelyNDRF and SDRF teams lead rescue effortsPersonnel from the National Disaster Response Force NDRF and State Disaster Response Force SDRF have been deployed at the site Heavy machinery including excavators is being used to remove debris and speed up the operation reported ANIOfficials said security forces and local authorities are coordinating closely to ensure the rescue is carried out efficiently and safelyLocal leaders present at siteLegislator Sham Lal Sharma also reached the spot and reviewed the situation He said the bridge was an old structure undergoing strengthening work after its foundation had become exposed reported ANIAccording to Sharma excavation work was underway as part of the repair process He suggested that vibrations caused by vehicular movement above the bridge may have contributed to the collapse although the exact cause is yet to be confirmed reported ANICause of collapse under investigationPreliminary indications point to structural instability during ongoing repair work but officials have not ruled out other factors Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident once rescue operations are completed reported ANIFocus on swift rescue and safetyThe immediate priority remains the safe evacuation of the four labourers still trapped beneath the debris Emergency teams are working against time carefully clearing rubble to avoid further structural damage or risk to those trappedFurther details regarding the condition of the rescued workers and the status of the remaining labourers are awaited as the operation continuesWith inputs from ANI