Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, May 18: After a hanging bridge erected across Pavitrangayam rivulet at Chiramkadavu in Panattoor near Kanhangad suddenly snapped on Monday May 17 afternoon, two persons died and 25 others sustained injuries of different degrees.

Aishwarya Thomas (9), daughter of Vadakel Thomas from Panattoor Kundupalla, and Jinu Varghese (17) from Nileshwar Kunnungai, lost their lives in the incident. Their bodies were kept in Pudankallu community health centre after the tragedy.

The body of K T Chacko from Panattoor Kunnat  Podi, was being taken for cremation in Panattor St Mary’s church, when the incident occurred. 45 persons, who fell into the rivulet, were saved by the local people and personnel of the fire brigade. Injured people were admitted into Pudankallu community health centre and district hospital.

It is suspected that strategic points of this ten year-old hanging bridge, had become weak due to corrosion. The bridge could not take the weight of 50 persons who accompanied the body of the deceased, when they came over the bridge together. This bridge had suffered a minor accident three years ago, and repairs had been conducted thereafter.