Bridge collapse in Mysuru: rice-laden truck plunges into canal near Saragur

A rice-laden truck fell into a canal after an old bridge collapsed in Saragur taluk, Mysuru. Though there were no casualties, the incident angered locals who had repeatedly requested repairs. Officials plan a temporary structure and propose a new bridge

Mysuru: A rice-laden truck plunged into a canal after a bridge collapsed near Halugada Ganesha Temple in Saragur taluk of Mysuru district. The incident occurred on the Baladande canal bridge, which connects Sri Chikkadevammanabetta and nearby villages. The truck, bearing Tamil Nadu registration, was transporting rice from Ittina village to Tamil Nadu when the structure gave way.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the accident has triggered public anger over the authorities’ long-standing inaction. Locals stated that multiple appeals had been made to repair the deteriorating bridge, but no steps were taken until the mishap occurred.

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Officials from the Public Works Department and the police had previously installed barricades to restrict vehicular movement, citing the bridge’s poor condition. However, truck drivers reportedly removed the barricades during the night and continued using the route, ignoring warnings.

Executive Engineer of Kabini Reservoir, K Usha, and Saragur PSI Kiran Kumar inspected the site soon after the incident.

Speaking to the media, Usha said, “We had warned farmers and the public not to allow heavy vehicles on this old bridge. Despite the barricades, trucks have been passing over it at high speed. The bridge is several decades old and structurally weak, which caused its collapse.”

She added that a proposal would soon be submitted to the government for the construction of a new bridge. “As an immediate solution, we will explore building a temporary alternative bridge to facilitate transport, especially for farmers,” she said.