Under-construction bridge collapse in Alappuzha; govt reinstates 3 suspended officials

Alappuzha/Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has reinstated three Public Works Department (PWD) officials who were suspended following the collapse of an under-construction bridge in Alappuzha that claimed the lives of two workers.

The accident happened on August 4 at around 1.15 pm at the Keecherikadavu bridge construction site across the Achankovil river. During girder concreting, the nut of the platform gave way, causing the girder and platform to plunge into the river. Two workers — Raghav Karthik (24), of Kallumala, and G Binu (42), of Thrikunnappuzha — fell into the water and died.

Following the incident, a preliminary inquiry was conducted by the Vigilance Deputy Chief Engineer of the PWD, based on which the government suspended Tessy Thomas (Assistant Executive Engineer), Sreejith S (Assistant Engineer), and Yathin Kumar V (Overseer) under Rule 10 of the Kerala Service Rules.

The suspended officials later appealed for reinstatement, stating they had performed their duties sincerely, that there had been no deliberate lapses in safety arrangements, and that the suspension had caused them severe mental distress. The Chief Engineer (Administration) also reported that revoking the suspension would not hinder the ongoing investigation.

After examining the matter, the government issued an order reinstating the three officials, clarifying that the disciplinary proceedings against them will continue.