Lucknow: An under-construction flyover in Varanasi collapsed on Tuesday evening with at least 18 feared dead and many trapped under the debris.


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Raj Pratap Singh, member of the committee constituted by Uttar Pradesh government to probe the flyover collapse incident, refused to give details about the cause of it, saying, "I can't say anything at this moment. Until we complete the investigation, talk to everyone and check all the records, it won't be right to say anything."


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A portion of the flyover near Varanasi's cantonment area railway station came down on several people - possibly labourers. As many as four vehicles and a mini bus were crushed under the debris as well. "I was 50 meters away from where a portion of the flyover came down. Everyone around the area panicked and began screaming," an eyewitness said.


Rescue operations began soon after the incident with at least three JCBs at the spot. A boundary wall next to the flyover was also demolished to allow bigger vehicles to assist in operations and three people were safely evacuated by 20:00 hours.


Officials from the local administration reached the spot and took stock of the situation. "It is an unfortunate incident. All hospitals in the area are on alert. Any casualty would be attended to immediately," said Sidharth Nath Singh, Uttar Pradesh minister.




UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief at the incident and news agency ANI reported that he directed deputy CM Keshav Maurya and minister Neelkanth Tiwari to go to Varanasi.


He also announced Rs 5 lakh in compensation to the families of each deceased.