Three workers tragically lost their lives after a temporary structure collapsed at an under-construction site for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, located near Vasad in Anand district, Gujarat. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon around 5:00 pm, when a steel and concrete block structure being used for foundation work at the construction site near the Mahi River gave way.
According to Anand district Superintendent of Police, Gaurav Jasani, the collapse trapped four workers under the debris. While two workers were initially rescued and taken to a nearby hospital, one of them succumbed to their injuries, while the other worker remains under treatment. A third worker, who had been trapped between the concrete blocks, was found dead at the site.
The National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL), which is overseeing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project, confirmed that four workers were trapped in the rubble following the collapse. The NHSRCL has expressed its deep regret over the tragic incident and has launched an investigation into the cause of the structural failure.
Rescue operations began immediately following the collapse, with authorities utilizing cranes and excavators to carefully remove the debris and search for any additional survivors. The operation was further assisted by local residents, who joined in the efforts to clear the site.
A fourth worker, who was trapped in the rubble, was rescued and has been admitted to a hospital where they are receiving medical care. Their current condition is reported to be stable.
The project, once completed, will cover a 508-kilometer stretch between Mumbai and Ahmedabad and aims to drastically reduce travel time between the two cities. The bullet train is expected to cut down the current travel time of 6 to 8 hours to just about 3 hours, providing a major boost to transportation in the region.
Authorities have assured that a detailed inquiry will be conducted to determine the cause of the collapse and ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. Meanwhile, the ongoing construction work for the high-speed rail corridor remains a critical infrastructure project for India, with the government committed to its timely completion despite the tragic setback.
