People gather at the spot where an under construction bridge collapsed in the temple town of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India on May 15, 2018. At least 12 people were killed and many others trapped Tuesday after an under-construction flyover collapsed in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, local media reported. (Xinhua/Stringer)
NEW DELHI, May 15 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 people were killed and many others trapped Tuesday after an under-construction flyover collapsed in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, local media reported.
The flyover collapsed at the cantonment area in Varanasi district, 306 km southeast of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.
Officials said a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed after two of its pillars collapsed bringing a huge slab of concrete down, crushing vehicles and people under it.
"Vehicles have been crushed and people were caught underneath it," a local government official told Xinhua.
"There are deaths but it is too early to give the exact details. Let us finish the rescue operations, we will share all the details."
Local television channel ANI reported that more than 12 people were killed and many others are trapped under the collapsed flyover.
Eyewitnesses said those trapped are said to be laborers, bystanders and pedestrians.
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief and directed the administration to speed up rescue operation.
A statement issued by Adityanath's office said the district administration has been ordered to expedite the rescue work and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya would reach Varanasi shortly to oversee it.
Police officials said a team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been rushed to the spot for rescue operations.
"Disaster response teams have been rushed to the spot and heavy machinery like earth movers have been pressed into the service to carry out rescue work," a senior police official said.
Hundreds of people have gathered at the spot and are assisting the police in ongoing rescue work.
