Karwar: A significant bridge on National Highway 66 over the Kali River in Karwar collapsed around 1:50 am today, severely disrupting traffic between Goa and Karwar.
The collapse caused a truck traveling on the bridge to plunge into the river. The truck's driver, Bal Murugan (37) from Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu, managed to escape by breaking the windshield and standing on the cabin, where he called for help.
Local police on night patrol heard Murugan's calls and quickly coordinated a rescue operation involving fire department officials, coastal security police, and local fishermen. The driver was safely rescued and sent to the hospital, where he is in stable condition.
Senior officials, including Deputy Commissioner Lakshmi Priya and Superintendent of Police Narayan, visited the site to assess the situation. A search operation by the NDRF, SDRF, coastal police, and local fishermen is ongoing to ensure no other vehicles or individuals were affected by the collapse.
The incident has cut off a critical route on National Highway 66, leading to significant traffic congestion. "Vehicles are currently being diverted via Kadra. This is a very long route. There is a new bridge, part of the four-laning project adjacent to the collapsed bridge. It would be helpful if the district administration allows the vehicles on the new bridge," activist Madhav Nayak told Deccan Chronicle.
In response, the district administration has instructed National Highways Authority officials to issue a stability report of the new bridge so that it can be opened for traffic and restore connectivity on the National Highway.
