The Kodibag Bridge over the Kali River, which links Karnataka and Goa, partially collapsed early morning on Wednesday. It led to a truck plunging into the river. The bridge, which had been in service for 41 years, fell apart in three stages, beginning around 2 am, as reported by Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police Narayan M.
Balu Murugan, the 37-year-old truck driver from Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu, narrowly escaped by breaking the vehicle’s windshield and climbing onto the engine to signal for help. He was successfully rescued by police and coast guard personnel and transported to Karwar’s government hospital for treatment. The truck, owned by SSM Transport Company, was returning to Tamil Nadu after a delivery in Goa.
Following the collapse, traffic was halted on a nearby newly constructed low-level bridge, which links Karwar and Sadashivagad. Despite the disruption, local authorities have indicated that alternative routes are available, minimising overall traffic impact between the two States.
Superintendent Narayan confirmed that the river was about 10 feet below the bridge at the time of the collapse and stated that no other vehicles or individuals were found in the river following a thorough search.
Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya, who visited the scene, has ordered an immediate inspection of the stability of the newly constructed bridge by the National Highway Authority of India or NHAI. She also noted that while rainfall has decreased, the river remains swollen, and the district administration is on alert for potential flooding.
In response to the incident, the Karwar police have filed cases against IRB Infrastructure and NHAI for negligence, accusing them of failing to manage traffic on the bridge as required. MP Vishveshwar Hegde Kageri remarked that the timing of the collapse at night likely prevented a more severe disaster.
Authorities are working to address the situation and ensure safety across all district bridges.
