What was meant to symbolize progress and modern design turned into chaos Thursday afternoon when a pedestrian skybridge under construction suddenly collapsed, sending chunks of concrete and twisted steel crashing onto one of the city’s busiest intersections.
The collapse, which occurred around 2:30 PM, stunned bystanders and sent shockwaves through the downtown district.
Eyewitnesses Describe Seconds of Terror
Those nearby recall a split-second transition from normalcy to disaster. “There was a deafening crack, almost like an explosion,” said Sok Vanna, a motorbike taxi driver waiting at the lights. “I looked up and saw it bending, then crashing down. Everyone scattered—it was pure panic.”
Maria Santos, who runs a shop across the street, said, “The street disappeared in a cloud of dust. The ground actually trembled. We’re lucky this wasn’t rush hour, or it would have been much worse.”
Swift Emergency Response
Within minutes, police, firefighters, and medical crews sealed off the area. Rescue teams, assisted by search dogs, combed through the debris to ensure no one was trapped beneath the rubble. Authorities confirmed multiple injuries among construction workers, most of whom were on break during the collapse—likely preventing greater casualties. Several workers were treated at local hospitals for minor injuries and shock.
Investigation Underway
UrbanConnect Builders, the firm overseeing the project, issued a statement expressing “deep regret” and pledged full cooperation with investigators.
A government-appointed panel of engineers and safety regulators has been tasked with determining the cause. Early theories point to structural failure, but officials urge the public to avoid speculation until the investigation is complete.
Safety Concerns Spark Debate
The skybridge, designed to connect two major shopping centers and ease heavy pedestrian traffic, was nearly three-quarters complete and scheduled to open later this year. Its collapse has sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about construction safety standards, oversight, and the pressures of rapid urban development. Many are questioning whether shortcuts, poor materials, or missed inspections contributed to the disaster.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Infrastructure Safety
As search and recovery efforts continue, the collapse serves as a stark reminder that progress carries risks. The incident disrupts a major infrastructure project and highlights urgent concerns about construction practices and regulatory enforcement. Answers will come, but for now, the city remains shaken and determined to hold those responsible accountable.
Lightning Strikes Four Men Standing Under Tree in Gurgaon Park — All Fall to Ground
Gurgaon: In a freak accident caught on CCTV and widely shared on social media, four men sheltering under a tree during rain were struck by lightning Friday afternoon.
The bolt hit a tree in Vatika Signature Villas park around 4:30 PM. Footage shows a bright explosion on the tree as the four men collapse immediately. Ramprasad, Shivdutt, and Lali—gardeners—and Anil Kumar, the horticulture supervisor at the housing society in Sector 82, all sustained burn injuries. Ramprasad remains on ventilator support, while the other three are stable. All four were admitted to Medeor hospital by the society’s management team.