WILLIAMNAGAR, July 9 � Furthering problems of the Garo Hills area, a bridge collapsed in the town of Williamnagar at about 11:30 am this morning, indicating that the development of the area is far from going anywhere in the right direction. The bridge, which has been under construction for a while now, joins a list of projects that have seen the light of day, but have never managed the sunshine on its concrete or people on its helm. This is the second such incident to have occurred in the Garo Hills region in the last two months and have left a question as to what was happening.
A bridge connecting Nengsangre and Kolmesalgre, Williamnagar collapsed while the concreting work was underway. The incident occurred when the temporary structure erected for constructing the main beam that connected the spans of the main post collapsed. The two main posts were constructed quite a long time ago and may have been the reason for the accident.
The collapse of the bridge has left 16 labourers injured and the JE of PWD (Roads), Lemingstone K Marak dead. He was killed on the spot. Upon hearing of the accident, the SP and DC of the East Garo Hills region reached the spot quickly. The injured were rushed through emergency services to the Williamnagar Civil Hospital, where they were being treated.
The administration has ordered for a magisterial enquiry under ADM S B Marak to be submitted within one month, while a technical report has been sought from the PWD (Roads) department.
