At least 22 students were injured when the suspension bridge they were crossing collapsed in Lower Dibang Valley district.

According to an official report here on Wednesday the incident occurred when students of Jamupani government primary school at remote Desali circle under Lower Dibang Valley district, were trying to cross over a nallah through the suspension bridge on Tuesday.

The tilting of the bridge on one side caused the accident.

Rescue operations were initiated by the district administration upon receipt of information.

The 19th JAK Rifles unit at Hunli, responded to the call by deploying men and ambulance at the site.

Despite the inclement weather conditions, with very low visibility, 11 critically injured were airlifted to Dibrugarh in Assam by the prompt action of Indian Air Force along with doctor and staff of SDO office.

Assistance was also provided by 752 BRTF and OC 62 RCC as remaining injured patients were brought to District Hospital Roing.

On hearing the news, Chief Minister Pema Khandu immediately directed the district administration to take up all possible measures to evacuate the injured teacher and students to Dibrugarh for proper treatment.

Accordingly, IAF helicopter was requisitioned from Dibrugarh and 11 critical patients accompanied by a doctor and officials from administration were airlifted to Dibrugarh and are being treated at Aditya Hospital.

Remaining patients were evacuated by road to Dibrugarh for further treatment.

One patient is said to be in critical condition while the condition of all other victims have been reported to be stable and out of danger.

Khandu has ordered for immediate release of relief to the victims and wished for their speedy recovery.

He also ordered for an enquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident.

The chief minister thanked the local villagers, Police, Army, IAF, BRO personnel and the Medical team for their timely help, which saved the lives of the children.

Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (BSE) today contributed Rs.5 lakhs to the Chief Minister s Relief Fund (CMRF) under CSR activity to support relief and rehabilitation work to the flood disaster affected areas in the state.

The BSE official Surajit Banerjee handed over the cheque to Khandu.

Expressing gratitude to BSE on behalf of the people of the state, Khandu assured that the amount would be judiciously utilised for unforeseen calamities and disasters, the report added.