CNN –
A four-lane concrete bridge being built across the Ganges in the eastern Indian state of Bihar has collapsed for the second time in just over a year, raising questions again about the quality of its construction.
Video shows the three-kilometer bridge dramatically plunging into the river on Sunday, sending up a cloud of debris and dust into the sky and pounding waves across the sacred river.
The Sultanganj Bridge has collapsed twice since construction began in 2017, the first time in April last year before Sunday’s catastrophic failure. It’s not clear why the bridge collapsed last year and if those issues have been resolved.
Crowds can be seen on the riverbank filming the bridge and screaming as it collapses. CNN could not confirm reports of injuries.
On Monday, Bihar’s Prime Minister Nitish Kumar said he had ordered an investigation into the incident.
in one opinion Canadian planning and engineering firm McElhanney, which is behind the bridge, said Monday it was aware of the bridge’s “partial collapse” and was “deeply concerned” for the safety and well-being of those affected by the incident.
The company will “cooperate with any investigation,” the statement said.
CNN has reached out to SP Singla Constructions, which built the bridge, but have not received an immediate response.
According to McElhanney, the bridge would have four lanes and a footpath and would provide “an important new link across the Ganges”.
It is also expected to reduce congestion on the state’s three existing road bridges, the company said on its website.
The Sultanganj Bridge is not the only one to have collapsed in India in the last year. Last October, a suspension bridge collapsed in the Gujarat city of Morbi, killing 135 people.