Team Herald
PANJIM: A major tragedy was narrowly averted on Sunday when a segment of the under-construction Porvorim elevated corridor collapsed from its girder near the Guirim junction, causing significant traffic congestion along the busy Mapusa-Panjim route. A worker sustained injuries during the incident and was immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment.
According to eyewitnesses, the mishap occurred during a bridge deck lifting operation, when metal hooks reportedly failed without warning, resulting in the large concrete segment crashing to the ground. The collapse not only disrupted traffic for hours but also raised fresh concerns about safety standards at the construction site.
Reacting strongly, the Congress party demanded immediate action against the contractor and called for a high-level, independent inquiry into the incident, with the findings to be made public. It also insisted on criminal proceedings against those found negligent for endangering lives, and sought a public assurance through third-party audit reports before construction proceeds or the bridge is opened for use.
A spokesperson of the Congress stated, “This is not a minor error — it is a disaster-in-the-making... any compromise in its construction quality is an open threat to public safety.” The spokesperson further questioned accountability for the “life-threatening lapse,” citing the absence of strict quality control measures, third-party inspections, or structural audits during this critical phase of the project. “This incident is not just an embarrassment — it is a wake-up call. If construction collapses during fixing, what confidence can the public have in the finished product? The bridge is being built with public money, but what we see instead is public risk.”