According to information, a bridge was under construction to connect Chhatra Bazaar and Mal Godam in the city. A sidewall of the bridge caved in as a result of which some vendors, who were sitting nearby and selling vegetables, got trapped under the debris. Some two-wheelers and cycles were reportedly damaged in the incident.
On being informed, ODRAF and fire brigades rushed to the spot and started rescue operations.
Meanwhile, Cuttack DCP Pratik Singh confirmed that two persons died in the mishap and another person sustained critical injuries. The injured is undergoing treatment at the SCB Medical College and Hospital, he said.
The deceased and the injured persons were yet to be identified.
Cuttack district Collector Bhabani Shankar Chayani, who also visited the mishap site, said a probe will be conducted and stringent action will be taken against those who will be found guilty.
Local MLA Mohammed Moquim and Corporator nominees and Mayoral candidates belonging to various political parties rushed to the spot and took stock of the situation.
“The incident is very shocking. It happened due to low quality work. A probe should be immediately be conducted and the errant punished at the earliest,” demanded Sritam Dash, Mayoral candidate of the BJP.
Dash demanded that the bereaved family of each deceased person be given a compensation of Rs 1 crore and the injured be provided best treatment free of cost.
