Mangaluru: A video showing devotees falling into a stream after an old footbridge collapsed during a 'bhandara' procession has gone viral on social media. The incident took place in Puchemogaru near Moodubidire on Wednesday, where nearly eight people sustained injuries.
Incident Details
The footbridge, made of laterite stones and about 10 metres long, collapsed while devotees were carrying a 'pallakki' (palanquin) with ornaments as part of the dharma nema festival of a local daivasthana. The bridge, estimated to be around 50 years old and in a dilapidated condition, gave way when the palanquin bearers were crossing. They reportedly fell into a ditch about 10 feet deep, which had no water flow at the time.
Rescue and Response
After learning about the accident, local residents rushed to the scene and rescued the injured. Many of the injured sought treatment at private hospitals. Moodubidire police confirmed that no case was registered as the victims did not report the incident.
The incident highlights the poor condition of aging infrastructure in rural areas. Authorities have not yet commented on any measures to prevent such accidents in the future.
