New Delhi: A bridge collapsed in Karnataka’s Moodbidri in Dakshina Kannada district, during a religious procession. The collapse was captured on camera and is now going viral. The locals said that a band party safely crossed the bridge just moments before it collapsed. People carrying sacred items on a palanquin were on the bridge when the structure suddenly gave way, they added.
Devotees carrying sacred ritual items injured in bridge collapse
According to a report in India Today, the devotees were carrying sacred items during a Dharmanema ceremony organised for the deities of Takode Barke and were part of a procession, when they suddenly fell to the ground, while crossing the structure. The accident happened in Bavada Bailu in Pucchemogaru. A total of 8 people were injured in the accident.
Eyewitnesses recalled that a band accompanying the procession successfully crossed the bridge. But as the palanquin bearers who were also part of the procession approached the bridge and stepped on to it, the structure came crashing down. In the video, one of the band members, who was the last person to cross the bridge successfully, can be seen turning around after hearing a loud thud. He saw that most of the people behind him had fallen to the ground, along with whatever they were carrying in their hands.
Beams of bridge fell on devotees head, authorities yet to react to accident
According to the locals, beams and other concrete structures of the bridge fell onto the devotees. This led to injuries to at least 8 of them and also damage to the sacred ritual items in the palanquin. The injured were rushed to the hospital and are currently undergoing treatment.
The authorities in Moodbidri are yet to react to the incident. They have not shared any reasons as to what could have led to the bridge collapse.