New Delhi (Web Desk): At least 18 people have been killed and dozens trapped in the Indian city of Varanasi after an under construction flyover collapsed, crushing vehicles beneath it, Indian media reported.
According to Officials from the National Disaster Response Force, the flyover was still being built when portions of its cement structure fell on the road being used under it, 18 bodies had been recovered so far and a rescue operation is continuing for those believed to still be trapped, however number of casualties fear t be increased.
Officials reported, rescue operation is underway and at least seven cranes attempted to lift the concrete pillar.
One eyewitness told reporters they were nearby when the collapse happened. "At least four cars, an auto-rickshaw and a minibus were crushed under it," they said, India's NDTV.
The report said that many of those trapped are believed to be construction workers who had been building the flyover.
An emergency has been declared in hospitals.
The cause of the collapse is not yet known, and an inquiry has been ordered, NDTV added.
National prominent personalities including Moodi, UP CM Yogi Adityanath and Vice president have expresses condolences over the incident.
I am happy about #Karnataka's victory but on the other hand, I am saddened by the loss of lives in Varanasi. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased & assure that the government will do whatever it can to support these families: PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/1HkDrH0342
— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018
Saddened by loss of lives in a flyover collapse in Varanasi. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured. #Varanasi @UPGovt pic.twitter.com/SZ6oaIbGmX
— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) May 15, 2018
UP CM Yogi Adityanath meets the victims of Varanasi under-construction flyover collapse incident at Banaras Hindu University Trauma Center pic.twitter.com/P498AoROMA
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 15, 2018
