Panchthar, Nepal – A tragic incident occurred in Hewakhola along the Mechi Highway when an under-construction Bailey bridge collapsed, resulting in the death of three workers. The accident took place as the workers were engaged in final installation activities on the 70-meter-long modular bridge.
The victims, identified as Rupalal Chaudhary (22), Rajan Chaudhary (27), and Rakesh Chaudhary (22) from Simara Sub-Metropolitan City, Bara, were initially rushed to the District Hospital and later referred to Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital in Biratnagar. Despite medical efforts, all three succumbed to their injuries late last night, confirmed DSP Kaushal Kumar Budhathoki of the District Police Office.
Incident Overview
The Bailey bridge, provided as a grant by the Government of India, was being constructed under the supervision of the Road Division Office in Ilam. The structure was being installed by Super Saugat Light Builders JV at a cost of NPR 34.9 million. The installation involved pushing the bridge from Fidim Municipality across Hewakhola toward Hilihang Rural Municipality with the help of an excavator.
However, the Fidim side of the bridge could not bear the load, leading to its sudden collapse. Eyewitnesses reported that six workers fell into the river along with the collapsing structure. Among them, three sustained fatal injuries, while the others survived with minor injuries.
Context and History
This location has faced recurring challenges due to natural disasters. The original 45-meter-long bridge was swept away by floods in June 2023. A 50-meter temporary Bailey bridge installed in July 2023 also succumbed to flooding in September 2023. The ongoing construction of the current 70-meter bridge aimed to provide a durable solution to these challenges.
Concerns Raised
The repeated failures and the latest collapse have raised concerns about the safety standards and structural integrity of such projects. Authorities are expected to launch an investigation to determine the technical and managerial shortcomings that led to this accident.
This incident underscores the urgent need for robust infrastructure planning in disaster-prone areas to ensure public safety and efficient utilization of resources.
