Dramatic Rescue as 41-Year-Old Kali River Bridge Collapses in Karwar, Prompting Urgent Safety Inspections
Kali River Bridge Collapses: In a shocking incident that underscores the importance of infrastructure safety, a 41-year-old bridge over the Kali River in Karwar, Uttara Kannada district, collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday, leading to the dramatic rescue of a lorry driver. The collapse occurred around 2:00 AM, causing the lorry to plunge into the river, where the driver, a resident of Tamil Nadu, was found clinging to the vehicle.
Timely Rescue Operation Saves Lives
The quick response of the local night patrol team and the bravery of local fishermen were instrumental in saving the driver’s life. Superintendent of Police (Karwar) M Narayana recounted the sequence of events, explaining how the night patrol team discovered the bridge collapse and immediately alerted higher authorities. “Our night patrolling team noticed the collapsed bridge and alerted the control room. There was a truck in the river, and the injured driver was on top of the vehicle. The local fishermen, along with our team, managed to rescue the driver,” Narayana said.
The driver was rushed to Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
Immediate Response and Safety Concerns
In the aftermath of the collapse, the Deputy Commissioner of Uttara Kannada district called for an urgent inspection of the new bridge, situated adjacent to the collapsed structure. The ongoing heavy rains in the region are believed to have contributed to the failure of the old bridge, highlighting concerns about the safety and resilience of the area’s infrastructure.
As a precautionary measure, traffic on the new bridge was temporarily halted while authorities conducted thorough safety inspections. According to Karwar police, only light vehicles were allowed to pass through after ensuring the bridge’s stability, while heavy vehicles were restricted. Goa’s Canacona police station in-charge, Harish Raut Desai, confirmed these traffic restrictions, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety
Authorities have registered an FIR in connection with the incident, launching an investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse and to prevent similar incidents in the future. The collapse of the old bridge, which had been relegated to one-way traffic following the construction of the new bridge, has raised significant concerns about the maintenance and inspection of aging infrastructure in the region.
Infrastructure Safety: A Growing Concern
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for regular inspections and maintenance of infrastructure, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall and other environmental stressors. As the investigation continues, residents and commuters are urged to exercise caution and remain informed about the ongoing safety measures.
Conclusion
The collapse of the old Kali River bridge in Karwar has not only disrupted traffic but has also brought to light the pressing issue of infrastructure safety. Thanks to the swift actions of local authorities and fishermen, a life was saved. However, the incident has left many questioning the structural integrity of aging bridges and the steps being taken to ensure such tragedies do not recur. As authorities work to safeguard the remaining infrastructure, the focus remains on preventing future disasters and ensuring public safety.
