Delhi event in crisis as bridge collapses

NEW DELHI: A footbridge under construction near the Commonwealth Games main stadium in India’s capital collapsed on Tuesday, injuring at least 23 construction workers and throwing further doubt on the viability of next month’s multination games.

The injured people, five of them in serious condition, were taken to hospitals, police officer H.G.S. Dhaliwal said.

The overhead bridge was to connect a parking lot with the main Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which is to host opening and closing ceremonies as well as showpiece athletic events for the Oct. 3-14 games.

However, severe delays in the completion of the athletes’ village have thrown the sporting event into jeopardy. New Zealand, Canada, Scotland and Ireland have described the accommodations as “unlivable,” and the New Zealand delegation said Tuesday the village won’t be ready for its official opening this week.

New Zealand team manager Dave Currie told radio network newstalkZB that New Delhi organizers “are in severe difficulties,” identifying problems with cleanliness, plumbing, electrical wiring, internet access and mobile phone coverage. -AP