Bailey Bridge Collapses in Sankhuwasabha, Truck Plunges into Arun River

A Bailey bridge connecting Ward No. 5 and Ward No. 2 of Makalu Rural Municipality here has collapsed. The Bailey bridge constructed over the Arun River connected Num of Makalu-5 and Sedua of Ward No. 2.

The Bailey bridge collapsed this morning around 9:00 AM while attempting to cross a low-bed truck loaded with cement, informed Deputy Superintendent of Police Kumar Prasad Mainali of the District Police Office, Sankhuwasabha. The bridge collapsed along with the vehicle while large vehicles were being transported across.

When the Bailey bridge collapsed, a truck with license plate Province-03-001 Ka 2920 fell into the Arun River on the internal road section of the Num-Sedua road section. Deputy Superintendent of Police Mainali stated that Arjun Shrestha, 40, from Barhabise Municipality-9, Sindhupalchok, was seriously injured in the accident when the truck fell into the river.

Preparations are underway to transport the injured driver to Kathmandu after initial treatment at the Primary Health Center in Num. The low-bed truck, carrying construction materials for the under-construction Kasuwa Hydro Power Company, fell into the Arun River after the bridge collapsed. Following the collapse of the Bailey bridge over the Arun River, the Num-Sedua road section has been completely blocked, halting all movement.

The Makalu Base Camp is accessed via this route. The collapse of the bridge has directly affected locals, tourists, and the transportation of daily essential goods. Coordination is underway to repair the bridge and arrange an alternative. The District Police Office stated that discussions are being held, especially with Kasuwa Hydropower, regarding the maintenance work.