Mysuru: A major mishap was narrowly averted in Itnaballi village of Saragur taluk, Mysuru district, after a lorry carrying paddy sacks caused an old Kabini right bank canal bridge to collapse while crossing it.
The incident occurred when the heavily loaded lorry, traveling via the Buradakatte route, was attempting to cross the decades-old narrow bridge. As the vehicle entered the structure, the bridge suddenly gave way, causing a portion to cave in. Fortunately, both the driver and labourers onboard escaped without injury, in what officials are calling a “just missed disaster.”
The bridge, constructed over the Kabini right bank canal, had reportedly weakened due to continuous monsoon rains in the region. The additional weight of the paddy sacks further strained the fragile structure, leading to its collapse.
Locals witnessed the dramatic incident and recorded videos of the bridge crash and lorry sinking partially, which have since gone viral. Emergency services were deployed to shift the paddy load from the stranded lorry, and efforts are now underway to lift the vehicle from the canal bed.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the structural safety of rural bridges in Karnataka, particularly in areas like Saragur, where heavy agricultural and transport activity continues on ageing infrastructure. Authorities have been urged to conduct urgent inspections and ensure alternative routes are available for heavy vehicles
