Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, after visiting those injured in the Bomikhal flyover mishap at the Capital Hospital here, expressed deep concern over the tragedy.
Patnaik said, “I am deeply shocked to learn about the death of a person in the unfortunate incident. I deeply condole the bereaved family. I have met the injured and discussed with the doctors. A high-level probe has been ordered and two engineers have been suspended. Exemplary action will be taken against the guilty,” said Patnaik.
Police Commissioner YB Khurania, who was at the spot, said a case will be initiated against the contractor and the Government officials responsible for the mishap.
Bhubaneswar (Central) MlA Bijay Mohanty termed the incident as highly unfortunate and demanded a through probe into the incident. He also demanded stringent punishment for those found guilty in the probe and compensation for those killed and injured.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in a tweet blamed the flyover collapse on poor quality work. He offered his condolences to the bereaved family and said exemplary punishment should be awarded to the guilty. It is sad that a life was lost due to the negligence of the State Government and its appointed private agency.
BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma said it is because of the inferior quality of the work and materials that the bridge collapsed. The Works Department portfolio is being held by the Chief Minister. He must take responsibility for it.
BJP State president Basant Panda said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who holds the Works portfolio, must take more responsibility for the tragedy.
He pointed out that there have been a number of bridge collapses recently in the State from the Gurupriya Setu in Malkangiri to the collapse of a bridge in the Chief Minister’s home district to this flyover collapse in the Smart City. This is only due to the defective and inferior quality work. The Chief Minister himself admits there is a PC culture in developmental works. This is a glaring example, said Panda.
Senior Congress leader Suresh Routray also blamed inferior quality construction and materials for the mishap and demanded a high-level probe into the incident.
Kendrapada BJD MP Baijayant Panda said, “It’s a very sad incident. I have met the victims, who are critically injured in the hospital and wished them a speedy recovery. An impartial probe is needed into the incident. Those found guilty should be punished.”
BJP vice-president Samir Mohanty, who was at the spot, said besides the slow progress of the project, people’s safety was neglected by the Works Department.