The news agency IANS reported that a cement-laden truck fell into the river in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district on Saturday morning, April 12, after the Mangalore bridge on National Highway (NH-305) collapsed. Vehicle movement on the Aut–Banjar road is currently suspended due to the incident.
After the accident, locals in the area rescued the truck driver from the river and sent him to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. Preliminary information has revealed that this bridge was constructed around 1980, 45 years ago.
Visuals From the Collapse Site
Banjar MLA Surender Shourie stated that the incident has prompted swift action from the local administration and National Highway (NH) authorities. Temporary restoration work is being planned, and teams have been directed to prepare an alternative route. However, officials have warned that, given the extent of the damage, the process may take some time to implement.
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"Travelers planning to use NH-305 are strongly advised to reconsider their travel plans and opt for alternate routes until the damaged section is repaired and deemed safe for use. Authorities are working to ensure minimum disruption and are expected to provide updates on the progress of the temporary access path soon," the MLA said.
"Citizens are urged to stay informed through official channels and cooperate with traffic advisories to avoid unnecessary delays and safety hazards. Emergency services and traffic police are on-site to manage the situation and assist commuters. Further updates will be provided as restoration efforts continue," he added.