Bridge collapse: PWD minister says action against those responsible

The Delhi government today promised punitive action against those found responsible for the collapse of the foot-over-bridge outside the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, the main venue of the Commonwealth Games.

PWD minister Raj Kumar Chauhan, whose department had given the contract to construct the bridge to a private firm, said as per preliminary investigation, the bridge collapsed as one of the iron post lost balance.

He said a total of 27 labourers were injured in the incident.

"We are investigating all aspects of the incident. We are also examing whether the incident happened due to negligence. There must have been some problem somewhere," Chouhan said after visiting the accident site.

However, he claimed that the incident will not have any impact on the preparations for the mega event, beginning in less than two weeks' time.

"It will have no impact on the overall preparations. We are studying whether it will be possible to restore the bridge or to make alternative arrangement," he said.

Chouhan said government's first priority is to provide proper care and treatment to the injured.

"We will provide all support and care to the injured. All the injured have been admitted to AIIMS and Safdurjung hospital," he said.

"We are also trying to remove the debris as soon as possible," he added.