The lifeline connecting Imphal-Jiribam road on NH 37 at Taobam village in Manipur’s Tamenglong district completely shut down as Irang bridge constructed over Irang river, which was in a deplorable condition, collapsed around 7:30 am Sunday morning.
Irang bridge is the only connectivity between Tamenglong and the state capital which is around 46.5 km from Tamenglong headquarters. Irang bridge, according to sources was reconstructed during 2004-2005, when the old bridge collapsed.
Sources said that Irang bridge had weight capacity limit displayed for years. Whenever vehicles cross, not more than one vehicle was allowed to cross the bridge.
According to sources the entire portion of the bridge caved in when a 10 wheeled truck carrying sand from Dimapur was crossing the bridge with a loud sound. It has been reported that the truck handyman escaped the accident, however news on the truck driver was not available at the time of filing this report.
Villagers of Taubam have advised people travelling to cancel plans as restoration of Irang bridge will take time. Sources say that CRPF personnel along with Taubam villagers rushed to the spot and rescued the handyman however the driver of the truck cannot be traced till the typing of this report. It has been reported that search and rescue operation is being carried out by the local volunteers and the security forces.
According to Chongthu News Service, the ill fated truck belongs to a private company which deals in the Railways construction works and was carrying Dimapur’s sand towards Jiribam side.