Bailey Bridge over Arun River Collapses

A Bailey bridge over Arun River connecting Seduwa in Ward 2 and Num in Ward 5 of Makalu Rural Municipality in Sankhuwasabha district collapsed on Saturday morning, February 28, disrupting traffic along a key route to the Makalu Base Camp.

The bridge gave way at around 9:00 a.m. while a low-bed truck carrying cement was crossing it, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Kumar Prasad Mainali of the District Police Office, Sankhuwasabha. The truck plunged into the river after the structure failed.

The driver, 40-year-old Arjun Shrestha of Bahrabise Municipality–9 in Sindhupalchok, sustained serious injuries in the accident, DSP Mainali said. He was administered first aid at a primary health centre in Num, and preparations were underway to airlift him to Kathmandu for further treatment.

The truck had been transporting construction materials for the Kasuwa Hydropower Project at the time of the incident.

The collapse has brought traffic along the Num–Seduwa road section to a complete standstill. The route serves as a vital link for local residents, tourists and the transportation of daily essentials.

Authorities said efforts were underway to repair the damaged bridge and arrange alternative transport measures. Discussions were ongoing, particularly with the Kasuwa Hydropower Project, regarding repair and maintenance, the District Police Office said.

(With inputs from RSS)