A major construction accident has triggered shock in Bihar’s Vaishali district after a portion of an under-construction bridge collapsed during work. The incident occurred in the Lalganj area while a beam launcher was reportedly being shifted during construction of the NH-139W project, being developed under the Bharatmala programme. Seven people were injured. One worker suffered a severely crushed leg and had to be rescued using machinery, while three injured people were taken to hospital.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has praised India’s assistance following the devastating floods, calling the situation “exceptional” and highlighting the rapid response of Indian technicians and rescue teams. India has continued its large-scale humanitarian and disaster relief operation, with the fifth tranche of relief bringing total assistance to 68.5 tonnes. The latest support includes medicines and an 11-member rescue team. Balen Shah said Indian technicians reached remote areas as soon as conditions allowed, despite extreme mud and sludge that left even excavators and Nepal’s Army and Armed Police Force struggling to find space to operate.