Bailey bridge collapses into Sutlej River in Kinnaur, overloaded dumper falls with structure

A major accident was averted in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district on Tuesday after a 190-foot-long Bailey bridge over the Sutlej River collapsed while an overloaded dumper was crossing it. The driver sustained minor injuries and was rescued safely by local residents.

The incident occurred around 11 am in the landslide-prone Urni area when the dumper, reportedly carrying a heavy load of sand, was passing over the bridge. The structure suddenly gave way and plunged into the river along with the vehicle.

According to preliminary reports, the overloaded dumper is believed to have caused excessive stress on the bridge. Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), police and the Public Works Department (PWD) reached the site and launched an investigation into the collapse.

The Bailey bridge had been serving as an important alternative route in the Urni Dhank area, which frequently experiences landslides along National Highway-5. Despite the collapse, authorities said traffic on NH-5 remains unaffected and vehicular movement towards Shimla, Rampur, Reckong Peo, Kaza and Sangla Valley continues normally.

Officials are assessing the damage and examining the structural condition of the bridge, while efforts are underway to ensure connectivity and prevent further disruptions in the region.