Tragic Accidents Raise Questions Over Safety Standards and Construction Quality
KANDHKOT: Two separate bridge collapse incidents in Sindh claimed the lives of at least four labourers and left another worker injured on Friday. According to Beyond Time News, both accidents occurred during construction activities, triggering serious concerns about safety measures, construction standards, and project oversight.
The tragic incidents took place in Kandhkot and Tangwani areas, where workers were reportedly busy with bridge construction and repair work when sections of the structures suddenly collapsed.
Authorities have launched investigations while local residents continue demanding accountability and improved worker safety at infrastructure projects across the province.
Under-Construction Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge Section Collapses
The first incident occurred at the under-construction Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge in Sindh.
According to local sources, labourers were carrying out construction work when a heavy section of the bridge suddenly gave way and crashed down. The sudden collapse created panic among workers present at the site.
Officials did not immediately confirm the exact number of casualties linked to the Ghotki-Kandhkot bridge incident. However, eyewitnesses said workers narrowly escaped a larger disaster after parts of the structure collapsed unexpectedly.
The incident has intensified public concerns regarding the quality of construction work on the multi-billion-rupee infrastructure project.
Residents and social media users questioned whether authorities properly monitored safety procedures and engineering standards during construction activities.
Four Labourers Die After Naseer Canal Bridge Collapse
In another tragic incident, four labourers lost their lives after a portion of an old bridge over the Naseer Canal collapsed in Tangwani near the Karampur area.
Local residents said workers were constructing a new bridge near the old structure when part of the dilapidated bridge suddenly collapsed onto the labourers below.
The collapse trapped several workers under debris and rubble. Residents claimed rescue teams arrived late at the scene, which delayed emergency operations for several hours.
Authorities later recovered four bodies from the collapsed structure and shifted one injured worker to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Officials identified three deceased labourers as Abu Bakar, Imam Bakhsh, and Imdad Nandwani. Authorities have not officially confirmed the identity of the fourth victim yet.
Safety Concerns Grow After Construction Accidents
Initial investigations suggest inadequate safety arrangements may have contributed to the deadly accidents.
Construction experts often stress the importance of proper inspections, protective equipment, and structural testing at large infrastructure sites. However, many labourers working on public projects in Pakistan continue facing unsafe conditions.
Following the incidents, local residents demanded a transparent inquiry into both bridge collapses. Many people also called for strict action against officials or contractors found responsible for negligence.
The accidents sparked widespread discussion online, where users criticised delays in rescue operations and questioned the quality of ongoing development projects.
Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge Project Faces Fresh Scrutiny
The Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge project remains one of Sindh’s major infrastructure developments. The bridge aims to improve regional connectivity by linking upper Sindh with Punjab and Balochistan through a direct route across the Indus River.
Initially, authorities planned the bridge as a three-kilometre project. However, officials later expanded the design to approximately 12.2 kilometres after recommendations from the Indus River Commission following the devastating 2022 floods.
The Sindh Works and Services Department launched the project, while authorities signed the concession agreement in May 2018. Construction officially started in August 2020.
Over time, repeated delays, design revisions, and flood-related modifications significantly increased the project cost. The original estimated budget of Rs17 billion later rose to nearly Rs32 billion.
Last year, Murad Ali Shah announced that authorities had resumed work on the previously stalled bridge project. He also expressed hope that officials would complete and inaugurate the bridge by June 2027.
The chief minister described the bridge as an important regional development project that would strengthen transportation and economic links between Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan.
Read more:Sindh Rangers Arrest ‘Papa Gang’ Leader in Karachi Over Hundreds of Robbery Cases
Public Demands Transparent Investigation
After the latest incidents, residents and labour rights activists urged authorities to ensure worker safety at all construction sites.
Many people believe officials must conduct independent investigations to determine whether poor construction quality, negligence, or corruption contributed to the collapses.
Experts also emphasised the need for stronger monitoring systems, regular inspections, and strict enforcement of safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
FAQs
How many labourers died in the Sindh bridge collapse incidents?
At least four labourers lost their lives in two separate bridge collapse incidents in Sindh.
Where did the bridge collapses occur?
The incidents took place at the Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge project and near the Naseer Canal bridge in Tangwani.
What caused the bridge collapses?
Initial reports suggest structural failure and inadequate safety arrangements may have contributed to the accidents.
Was anyone injured in the incidents?
Yes, one labourer suffered injuries and authorities shifted him to a hospital for treatment.
What is the Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge project?
It is a major infrastructure project designed to improve connectivity between Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan.
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