Team Herald
VASCO: The scaffolding erected to facilitate the construction of the upper span of the new Zuari bridge on the southern side of the river collapsed around noon on Wednesday. Four persons who were at the site were injured. Commuters travelling on the road had a lucky escape as the entire structure fell on the excavated hillside of the work site preventing casualties on the road.
The incident occurred between 12 and 12.30 pm. Witnesses and workers at the site said that the incident was a result of imbalance of material being lifted on to the top of the scaffolding by a crane.
In a statement, Dilip Buildcon (DBL) the construction firm said, “At around 12:30 hrs the scaffolding being erected between piers 61 and 62 of package 03, collapsed because of imbalance. Of the workers at site, four workers were injured. One sustained a leg fracture, one has bruises and the other two have minor scratches.”
The statement added that there was no loss of blood or casualties. “All injured were shifted to GMC hospital. Out of these four, three were released after first aid treatment. Prima facie this scaffolding failure is most likely due to soil displacement from the hillock,” it added.
Locals have, however, rung the alarm bells. Speaking to Herald, a local resident said, “By God’s grace the scaffolding did not fall onto the road side, otherwise it would have caused civilian casualties. The government has to now, as a measure of precaution, make sure there is an alternative to this road. The farmers are ready to give their land for the diversion route, but are worried that they will again be fooled.”
Cortalim Deputy Sarpanch, Raymond De Sa said, “DBL has to first take precautions for the workers and also of the people travelling on this route. There is a need to ensure safety is maintained here.”
The incident triggered traffic jams on both sides of the site. Police were seen manning the traffic along the route. Verna Police Inspector Sandesh Chodankar said, “The statements of the victim workers are yet to be recorded.”
Later Verna Police registered an offence against site in-charge Atul Pawar under sections 336 & 338 of the IPC for endangering lives and causing grievous injuries to victims by not taking proper precautions while erecting the scaffolding.
