Death toll in S. India bridge collapse rise to 3

Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-30 23:18:58|Editor: Mu Xuequan
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NEW DELHI, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in Monday's bridge collapse in southern Indian state of Kerala has risen to three, besides injuries to 50 others, police said.

The bridge walkway collapsed during morning hours in Chavara of Kollam district, about 80 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala.

"The death toll has rose to three," a police official said, adding that while a woman employee died at hospital, two bodies were fished out of the water.

The injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals.

"People who suffered minor injuries were discharged from hospitals after providing treatment, while as the ones who have major injuries are still admitted," the police official said.

The deceased were identified as employees of Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML), a government of India undertaking.

Police said the steel bridge walkway located inside the KMML complex over a canal was laid several years ago. Locals alleged the bridge has been awaiting major repairs for a long time.

Eyewitnesses told police that over 70 people were walking over the bridge at the time of the collapse.

"The bridge walkway inside the facility mostly used by employees connects others sections with the mineral separation unit of the complex," an official said.

Local media reports said before the accident, a protest demonstration was staged by employees inside the premises against the company and the bridge collapsed when employees were returning from the protest to join the duties.

Officials said they have ordered an inquiry into the incident.

In April this year 13 people were killed after a jetty collapsed in India's eastern state of West Bengal.

Bridge collapses usually happen in India mainly because of lack of maintenance.

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