ISLAMABAD The government's callous disregard for public concerns against the poor quality reconstruction of a bridge in Chitral's Mastuj village claimed two more lives when the bridge again caved in on Saturday.
The dilapidated bridge over the Laspur river connecting Chitral with Gilgit-Baltistan through the Shandur Pass had earlier collapsed on July 28, killing one person.
The residents had complained that the same old materials including bolts, wooden planks, beams and strings were being used on the project instead of replacing them with the new ones. They had demanded an inquiry against the works and services department for the poor quality work on the project.
However, after refixing the same material in haste, the contractor opened the bridge for public transport without even fully completing the project. When the Mastuj-bound jeep going from Chitral tried to cross the bride, it collapsed again.
As a result, the driver identified as Mohammad Din alias Ayudin and a passenger Amiruddin went missing in the water. Both were residents of Mastuj. Two other persons saved their lives by jumping to safety.
Later, some angry residents burnt down the remnants of the bridge.
When contacted, an official at the Mastuj police station blamed the driver for the incident. He said labourers were still working at the site and only light vehicles were allowed to cross the bridge.
However, the loaded Toyota jeep tried to cross the bridge against warning which caused its collapse. He said search for the bodies were continuing.
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