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Kashmir Bridge Collapse Toll Reaches Seven

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Nov 18: The death toll in the bridge collapse in Kashmir has reached seven with the recovery of three more bodies on Tuesday.

At least 28 persons drowned after a bridge collapsed in North Kashmir on Sunday. Four bodies were recovered on the first day and the operation has been ongoing to recover the bodies of the remaining drowned.

The authorities have alerted the Pakistan army about the incident and sought their help in recovering the bodies of the missing persons. The area in which the bridge collapsed, is some kilometres away from Pakistani territory.

Meanwhile, police and divers on Tuesday recovered bodies of three more persons. With the recovery of the bodies, the death toll has reached seven. "The search operation is going on," an official said, adding, "The chances of finding any more survivors appears bleak".

A portion of the bridge in Uri town, some 96 kms from summer capital Srinagar, collapsed during load testing on Sunday. The bridge was to be opened for vehicular traffic next week.

The pro-Indian Kashmiri government has announced a magisterial probe into the incident.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.