Major tragedy averted as old bridge collapses in Yamunanagar village

A major tragedy was averted on Tuesday evening when a portion of an old, condemned bridge on the Western Yamuna Canal collapsed in Badhi Majra village of Yamunanagar district. Fortunately, no one was on the bridge when it gave way around 5 pm.

According to officials, the bridge is located close to the site where hundreds of devotees gathered earlier in the day to perform rituals on the occasion of Chhath Puja. Many devotees are believed to have crossed the bridge in the morning while heading to and from the canal ghat.

“After performing puja, people had returned to their homes, but the bridge suddenly collapsed at about 5 pm,” said a local resident.

Eyewitnesses said the collapse was accompanied by a loud noise, triggering panic in the area.

“When the portion of the bridge fell, there was a big sound and people rushed to the spot,” said a villager.

Residents pointed out that the bridge had long been in disuse, ever since a new bridge was constructed alongside it several years ago.

“When the new bridge was built and opened for traffic, the old bridge should have been demolished,” said Naveen Kumar, a local resident.

“If it had collapsed in the morning when hundreds were there for Chhath Puja, it could have been a major tragedy.”

Vinod Kumar, Executive Engineer, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, said the structure had already been declared unsafe and closed to traffic.

“The bridge was old and traffic was already closed on the said bridge. The debris of the collapsed portion is being removed,” he said.

Authorities have started clearing the site and inspecting nearby areas to ensure no further risk remains.