Koyilandy: The Thorayikkadav bridge linking Chemanchery and Atholi panchayats collapsed while under construction yesterday around 3.30 PM. Work supervisor Midhun sustained injuries when an iron rod used in the work fell on him. He is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the town.

The collapse involved the bridge’s fourth girder. Concreting work had begun at 2 PM, with about 40 workers present at the site. The girder gave way after the supporting iron rods welded beneath it came off. The accident occurred while welding and concreting were in progress. A major disaster was averted as workers managed to flee upon hearing the sound of the structure giving way.

The bridge, estimated to cost Rs.24 crore, is being built under the Kerala Road Fund Board for the Public Works Department. The project was initially awarded to the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCC) after both ULCC and PMR submitted matching bids. ULCC won due to subsidy benefits, but PMR later secured the work through legal proceedings.

The same PWD officer who supervised the ill-fated Koolimad bridge project is overseeing this one as well. Action had earlier been taken against other officials for lapses in the construction of Koolimad bridge.

Ramunnikutty watched the bridge collapse from his country boat
Thoovakkod: Ferryman Ramunnikutty had a close view of the collapse while ferrying passengers from Thorayil to Thoovakkod. Within seconds, rods and chunks of concrete plunged into the water with a loud crash. Workers screamed and ran in both directions seeking safety.

His country boat was just 10 metres from the site. As passengers grew anxious and screamed he quickly steered them to shore. Company staff rushed the injured to the hospital in their own vehicles.