Man dies after falling from makeshift bridge in Bhawnas in Mandi district

A man lost his life after falling from a makeshift wooden bridge into a swollen stream near Bhawnas village in Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. The deceased, identified as Puran Chand of Bhawnas, was returning home from Jarol last evening when the tragedy occurred.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident took place at the Halen area, where an old and fragile wooden footbridge spans a river that swells dangerously during rains. As Puran Chand attempted to cross the temporary structure, he slipped and was swept away by the strong current. Despite the efforts of local residents who managed to pull him from the water after he had drifted nearly 100 meters downstream, he was declared dead on arrival at the Janjehli hospital.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur stated that this was not an isolated incident. In the past one and a half months alone, three-four similar tragedies have occurred in the region, pointing to the grave negligence on the part of the state authorities in ensuring safe passage over rivers and streams, especially during the monsoon season.

Thakur expressed his condolences, calling the death of Puran Chand “deeply saddening and painful,” and urged the government to take immediate and long-term steps to prevent such incidents.

Locals continue to demand permanent bridges and proper infrastructure, warning that more lives could be lost if no action is taken in time.