Search on for 25 missing after bridge collapse in Arunachal Pradesh

Rescuers Sunday launched fresh operations to trace 25 people missing after the bridge collapse over Kameng River at Seppa in East Kameng district.

Tragedy struck the town last evening when six people died and over 25 missing after the wire rope suspension bridge collapsed when many people were busy looking for an edible insect, locally called ‘tari’, over the structure.

29 people were rescued yesterday with five in a serious condition. The injured were admitted to the district hospital.

East Kameng Superintendent of Police Kime Aya said so far the rescue teams comprising state police, ITBP and CRPF have failed to trace anybody today.

The exact number of casualty and missing people could not be ascertained yet, he said.

The district administration has requested the army stationed at Tenga in West Kameng district to help in rescue operation, Aya said, adding they are likely to join the operation soon.

"Mostly children below 15 years were assembled at the bridge yesterday reportedly to collect Tari or Gandhi Puk, a delicacy for the locals, although this is not the season. The weak bridge collapsed due to over weight," Aya said.

Governor Gen J J Singh and Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin have expressed grief over the "unfortunate" incident.

In a statement from New Delhi, Gamlin said the state government would constitute a one-man committee to inquire into the cause of the collapse.

He said as more concrete details emerge, the government will announce ex-gratia relief to the families.