Rs330m Jhelum bridge collapses ahead of inauguration

Concrete structure collapsed following a thunderstorm in the area; however, no loss of life or injury was reported


Babar Naveed May 24, 2016
Photo shows destruction of Gujrat's Ghan Bridge after a part of it collapsed on Sunday. PHOTO: FACEBOOK

LAHORE: A significant part of an under-construction bridge in Gujarat’s Ghan storm water channel near Jhelum collapsed on Sunday, just days before it set for inauguration by the Punjab chief minister.

The concrete structure collapsed following a thunderstorm in the area. However, no loss of life or injury was reported.

Sources said the bridge collapsed because of the use of substandard material in its construction and negligence of the highways department, adding the bridge was being constructed by Sheikh Nazar and Company.

Shahbaz Sharif had laid the foundation stone of the Ghan Bridge in November 2014, and was expected to be opened for traffic next month.

Bridge over troubled waters: Three missing as structure collapses over Bara River

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

On recommendation of the ruling party’s MPA Chaudhry Lal Khan, the Punjab government had approved Rs330 million for the project, which is of great significance to the people of Pind Dadan Khan and Jhelum as it connects the two areas, sources said.

Dozens injured in bridge collapse

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

Inquiry ordered

Meanwhile, an inquiry was ordered into the incident.

“A high-level team has been formed to interrogate the incident,” DCO Jhelum Iqbal Hussain Khan told The Express Tribune.

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