By IANS
Hyderabad : At least 20 people were feared killed and 15 were injured as a portion of a flyover under construction collapsed in Hyderabad Sunday evening, police and eyewitnesses said.
The mishap occurred between the busy Panjagutta and Nagarjuna Circle traffic junctions in the heart of the city while it was raining heavily. Huge concrete slabs and equipment fell on the vehicles passing on the either side of the flyover, trapping several people.
Officials confirmed that five people died in the mishap but at least 15 who were trapped under the debris were also feared killed. At least 15 injured were rushed to hospitals.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed his shock and deep grief over the accident in a city that is still recovering from the Aug 25 twin bombings that claimed 44 lives.
“Our first priority is to rescue people trapped under the debris,” said Hyderabad District Collector Chandravadan (one name) when asked about the death toll.
Four cars, a couple of auto rickshaws and a few two wheelers were crushed under the debris. Some pedestrians, who were standing under the flyover to protect themselves from the rain, were also feared trapped.
Rescue workers faced a tough time as the cranes summoned to remove the debris could not reach due to heavy traffic jams. Authorities appealed to people not to rush to the scene and give way to cranes and ambulances.
Rescue workers were also installing lights and using gas cutters to cut through the mangled equipment.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy visited the accident site and directed official to expedite the rescue work. He also ordered a probe into the incident.
Local legislator P. Janardhan Reddy vented his ire over the officials for failing to respond quickly to the emergency situation.
The mishap took place when hundreds of vehicles were caught in a traffic jam, a common sight in the busy commercial area. The incessant rains had aggravated the problem.
The Punjagutta flyover is being constructed to decongest one of the busiest commercial areas in the city. The flyover is coming up on the road that connects the Begumpet airport to the Hitec City that houses a number of IT and BPO firms.