Wanghchu bridge, a 204 metre long under-construction bridge connecting Damchu-Haa link road and Chuzom-Haa road in Paro district, collapsed on Tuesday afternoon in Bhutan. Three people died in the incident, and six are still reportedly missing.

According to a report in Kuensel, the bridge was constructed by Dantak, a project of India’s Border Roads Organization (BRO), which takes care of around 1500 km of roads and many bridges in Bhutan- when it collapsed in the afternoon.

At the time of the incident, nine laborers were working on the bridge that was nearing completion. Following the collapse, officials from Dantak launched a rescue and search operation along with personnel of the Royal Bhutan Army.

Three bodies were recovered by the evening, and six were missing. Those killed are said to be expatriate construction workers. Chances of them being Indians are also high as most Indians from the border region take construction jobs in Bhutan.

The rescue operation was stopped in the evening due to low visibility in the area and the risk posed by an overhanging damaged portion of the bridge. The operation resumed on Wednesday morning.

Expressing regret over the incident, Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Teshering wished strength to families of the dead. He also hoped to find all the missing persons soon.