Pokhara, 15 June — A tragic incident occurred in the Panchthar district on Saturday when a Bailey bridge under construction over the Hewa River along the Mechi Highway collapsed, resulting in the deaths of three workers and injuries to three others. The deceased have been identified as 22-year-old Rupalal Chaudhary, 27-year-old Rajan Chaudhary, and 22-year-old Rakesh Chaudhary, all residents of Simra Sub-Metropolitan City-12 in Bara district.
According to the District Police Office, Panchthar, the workers sustained critical injuries when the bridge suddenly gave way during installation. Though they were initially treated at Panchthar Hospital, they were immediately referred to Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital in Biratnagar for advanced care. Unfortunately, all three were declared dead upon arrival by medical personnel.
Medical staff at Panchthar Hospital reported that while the victims did not show significant external injuries, they were unresponsive and unable to speak when first admitted. The condition of the remaining three injured workers is currently stable, and they are receiving treatment.
The bridge was being reconstructed after it was washed away by floods on Asoj 12, 2081 B.S. While reinstallation efforts were underway, the structure unexpectedly collapsed before completion. The accident took place at the border of Phidim Municipality Ward No. 4 and Hilihang Rural Municipality Ward No. 7.
The collapse of the bridge has raised serious concerns about construction safety standards and the condition of infrastructure in the region. Authorities are expected to launch a detailed investigation into the cause of the collapse and potential lapses in safety protocols during the bridge’s reinstallation.
