Daijiworld Media Network – Kadaba

Kadaba, May 24: An under-construction bridge collapsed on Saturday evening at Kombaru village in Kadaba taluk, in a major scare during ongoing construction work, though all workers escaped unhurt.

The bridge, being built at Kaapaaru Doddaadka over the Kenjala stream to provide connectivity to government school in Kombaru village, collapsed while slab installation work was in progress.

The project is being executed under a state government school connectivity scheme with a sanctioned grant of Rs 50 lac, following a recommendation by local MLA Bhagirathi Murulya.

According to sources, one slab had already been installed when the incident occurred during placement of the second slab. The iron beam used for structural support reportedly snapped, triggering the sudden collapse of the slab section.

Workers present at the site immediately ran for safety after hearing the structure give way, narrowly escaping what could have been a serious accident.

The construction work has been ongoing for the past three months, with efforts being made to complete it before the monsoon season and the reopening of schools. However, locals alleged that the bridge was being constructed with only three pillars and raised concerns over the quality of work, demanding immediate reconstruction of the collapsed portion.

Officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in the incident. Assistant executive engineer Pramod Kumar K K said contractors have been instructed to rebuild the damaged section properly and ensure strict adherence to construction safety standards.