Four pedestrians were injured after a ‘weak’ portion of a decade-old foot overbridge on the northern side of Nungambakkam railway station (Loyola college side) caved in on Friday.
Around 10 am, a loud noise followed by screams was heard from under the foot overbridge on the northern side of the station.
Nearby shopkeepers, passersby and a few passengers waiting at the platform who rushed towards the bridge found four groaning pedestrians lying 12 feet below. They immediately gave them some first-aid and took them to a nearby hospital.
Railway police rushed to the spot and closed the subway on the side leading to Loyola college.
Railway authorities’ preliminary investigation revealed that four huge concrete blocks on the bridge’s first landing had caved in as a steel angle supporting the blocks broke.
Divisional railway manager Anantharaman told DC that the steel angle had corroded on the inside. Repairs were carried out immediately and the bridge was opened for pedestrian use by evening.
Mr Anantharaman, who ordered an immediate review of all foot overbridges in Chennai division, said unlike staircases, the landing portion of the bridge does not have any cross bar underneath for support. They are considering a possible design review. The bridge’s tin roof is already damaged.
Secretary of Choolaimedu Exnora Innovators Club Kasthurirangan said the bridge was reconstructed during gauge conversion almost a decade back and since then pedestrians have been demanding periodic maintenance and lowering its height as old people find it too difficult to climb.
