Daijiworld Media Network - Vaishali

Vaishali, Sep 10: At least eight workers were injured after a concrete slab and beam launcher collapsed at a bridge construction site in Bihar’s Vaishali district on Thursday, officials said.

The incident occurred at the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) NH-139W four-lane highway project in the Lalganj area, being constructed under the Bharatmala scheme.

According to officials, the launcher being used for bridge construction suddenly collapsed, injuring several workers. The injured were immediately taken to Lalganj Referral Hospital, where six workers were treated. Two others were referred to another facility for advanced medical care due to the severity of their injuries.

District Magistrate Varsha Singh said the injured were taken to a government hospital for treatment and sustained minor injuries. Officials and police reached the site following the incident, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the collapse and examine compliance with safety protocols.

A young worker was trapped under a heavy iron structure, with his leg pinned beneath it. People at the scene were seen pouring water over his head while rescue efforts were underway. He was eventually freed after the machinery trapping him was cut apart.

In a statement, the NHAI said the incident occurred while a launcher was being shifted during bridge construction work on NH-139W.

"No damage has been caused to the bridge structure in the incident," the authority said.

The NHAI said it remained committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality, ensuring worker safety at construction sites and completing projects within stipulated timelines.

It added that safety standards and protocols were being "strictly reassessed" to prevent similar incidents in the future.