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Bailey Bridge Collapses on NH-5 in Kinnaur as Dumper Plunges Into Sutlej

Investigators are probing whether an overloaded 10‑tyre dumper exceeded the temporary bridge’s 28‑tonne design limit after recent repairs on June 5.

Overview

  • A 190‑foot Bailey/iron bridge at Urni Dhank on National Highway‑5 gave way on Tuesday while a loaded 10‑tyre dumper was crossing and the driver was rescued with minor injuries.
  • CCTV video of the collapse has circulated widely and shows the truck and large sections of the bridge falling into the Sutlej River while a trailing car stopped short.
  • The National Highways Authority of India says the temporary bridge was rated for 28 tonnes and had received repairs on June 5, and a police and technical team has opened an on‑site investigation.
  • Traffic on the key NH‑5 link was suspended and vehicles are being diverted via alternate routes, adding roughly 8–10 kilometres and about an hour to journeys and raising concerns for tourism and seasonal apple transport.
  • The Bailey bridge was built in 2016 as a temporary link through a landslide‑prone stretch and officials say a permanent tunnel is under construction to reduce future disruptions.