A TV grab of the footbridge at KMML that collapsed on Monday.Kollam: Three women died and at least 20 were injured as a footbridge on the compound of Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML) at Chavara near here collapsed on Monday.
The deceased has been identified as Syamala (56), Angelina, and Annamma. Angelina and Annamma's bodies were found under the iron beams of the collapsed bridge late in the evening.
The bridge connecting the KMML with the MS unit collapsed at 10.30 am. It is believed that at least 70 employees of KMML on the bridge when the accident took place. The injured have been taken to various hospitals.
A search was on to find if anyone has gone missing in the lake.
Located inside the KMML complex, the iron bridge was used by employees to reach to the adjacent mineral separation unit of the company.
The police said that the bridge collapsed as it was overcrowded. Employees were going to join duty in the morning and and some agitating contractual miners of the company were returning after a discussion with the management, they added.
The government ordered an inquiry and asked Industries Secretary Paul Antony to file a report at the earliest.
State industries minister A.C. Moideen said here in a statement that the company authorities have been directed to repair the bridge at the earliest.
He said the state government would consider providing jobs to the relatives of the deceased and financial aid to those injured in the accident.
(With inputs from PTI)
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