Bhubaneswar: In the wake of a tragic bridge collapse in Cuttack that claimed three lives and left two others critically injured, the Odisha government on Sunday constituted a three-member inquiry team to investigate the incident. The team has been tasked with submitting its report within 15 days.State law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, addressing media persons in Bhubaneswar, confirmed the formation of the probe panel. “Had there been no lapses, such a tragic incident would not have occurred. The inquiry will establish where the fault lies, and strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he asserted. The minister also informed that he has briefed Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi about the incident.The mishap took place on Saturday evening at the construction site of a new bridge over the Kathajodi river in Cuttack’s Khannagar locality. According to officials, a prefabricated concrete slab was being hoisted by a crane when the machine reportedly malfunctioned, causing the slab to fall and crush five workers, including an engineer and two labourers.Emergency teams rushed all five victims to the SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack. While two labourers were declared dead on arrival, the engineer succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The other two victims remain in critical condition.Following the incident, the three-member inquiry committee, accompanied by the local sub-collector, labour department officials, and an executive engineer from the works department, visited the accident site and initiated a detailed investigation. The team is expected to examine technical lapses, adherence to safety protocols, and the operational condition of the machinery involved. Speaking to the media, Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo confirmed that a preliminary probe pointed to a mechanical failure of the crane while lifting the slab. “The victims include workers from both Odisha and West Bengal. Further details will emerge after a thorough investigation,” he said.
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