Bridge collapse: Oceanography experts to help in rescue work

As efforts resumed today to trace 15 labourers still missing in the bridge collapse mishap here, a team of experts from the Indian Institute of Oceanography would visit the site to assist in underwater operations in Chambal river.

"Presently, the rescue operation is being carried out on surface at the site and all the 30 bodies were recovered from the debris on the surface as underwater rescue operation could not be successfully launched despite efforts by experts from Gujarat and Navy," IG-Kota Range Rajeev Dasot said.

"The team of experts from Goa will arrive today here to carry the under water rescue operation," he said. "The river is about 110 feet deep near the site, and its is quite possible that many of labourers drowned. Presence of crocodiles in the river is another challenge that rescuers would have to face," he said.

"Thirty dead bodies have been recovered till late last night and around 15 persons are still missing," he said. The 50-metre bridge collapsed on Thursday when about 50 labourers were at the scene.