Overview

• A prefabricated concrete slab collapsed during bridge construction over the Kathajodi River in Cuttack, killing three, including a site engineer, and critically injuring two others.
• The accident occurred on May 3, 2025, when a crane reportedly malfunctioned while lifting the slab, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
• Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured.
• The Odisha Works Department has formed a high-level technical committee to investigate the incident and identify responsible parties, with findings expected within 15 days.
• Local leaders, including Cuttack Mayor Subhas Singh, have called for strict accountability, citing potential negligence in safety protocols at the construction site.