One labourer dies as under-construction bridge pillar collapses in MP’s Jabalpur

January 26, 2026

Jabalpur: A tragic accident claimed the life of a labourer from West Bengal, while two others sustained severe injuries at an under-construction ring road project in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur on Sunday night. The incident occurred at a flyover construction site in Lalpur village near Bhedaghat, one of the city’s largest ongoing infrastructure projects.

Scaffolding Collapses During Shuttering Work

According to police officials, the accident took place when scaffolding supporting shuttering work suddenly collapsed from a height of around 60 feet. At the time of the incident, nearly 22 labourers were working at the site. The sudden failure caused a section of the structure to give way, sending workers and heavy concrete debris crashing to the ground.

Three labourers — identified as Mursalem (35), Rasal (22), and Rajeshwar Singh (21) — were directly hit and buried under the debris. Fellow workers immediately rushed to the spot and launched a rescue effort, managing to pull the victims out from the rubble.

One Labourer Dies, Two Hospitalised in Critical Condition

Mursalem, a native of West Bengal, succumbed to his injuries on the spot due to the severe impact and crushing weight of the concrete. The other two injured labourers were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

Doctors said both survivors suffered multiple fractures, internal injuries, and possible head trauma. They are currently admitted to the trauma unit, where they remain under intensive medical supervision as doctors work to stabilise their condition.

Investigation Ordered; Safety Lapses Suspected

Authorities have launched an immediate investigation into the cause of the scaffolding collapse. Preliminary assessments suggest possible lapses in structural support, material quality, or adherence to safety norms, though officials said the exact cause will be determined after a detailed inquiry.

Labour department officials and the project contractor have been directed to cooperate fully with the probe. Officials also indicated that safety audits may be carried out at other ongoing construction sites in the region to prevent similar incidents.

The ring road project is a key urban development initiative aimed at easing traffic congestion around Jabalpur city and involves extensive elevated construction and concreting work, where strict safety measures are essential.

Local leaders and workers’ unions expressed grief over the incident and demanded swift compensation and assistance for the deceased labourer’s family, while calling for stricter enforcement of safety standards at construction sites. The incident has once again highlighted persistent concerns over worker safety amid rapid infrastructure development in Madhya Pradesh.