Elephant Underpass Bridge Collapses on National Highway Near Khemasuli ; No Casualties Reported

Jhargram/West Medinipur: A section of an under-construction bridge built as an elephant corridor on the National Highway between Guptamani in Jhargram district and Khemasuli in West Medinipur suddenly collapsed, causing alarm across the region. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident.
The underpass bridge was being constructed to allow wild elephants to move safely through the forest area beneath the structure, while regular vehicular traffic was expected to pass over the upper section of the highway. The project was considered an important part of efforts to reduce human-animal conflict and ensure safer movement for both wildlife and vehicles.
According to initial reports, the structure collapsed before the construction work could be completed. The exact cause of the incident is yet to be confirmed. However, preliminary concerns suggest that possible structural weaknesses or the use of poor-quality construction materials may have contributed to the collapse.
Soon after the incident, officials reached the site and began assessing the damage. Traffic movement in the affected area has reportedly been regulated as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and prevent any further mishap.
The collapse has triggered serious concern among local residents and raised questions about the quality of construction work and the effectiveness of supervision in such a critical infrastructure project. People in the area have demanded a swift and transparent inquiry, strict action against those found responsible, and the proper completion of the project at the earliest.
Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation to determine the reason behind the collapse and fix accountability.