Irang bridge collapses in Manipur, Jiribam route cut-off

Our Correspondent
Imphal, Nov. 1 (EMN): A bailey bridge over Irang River popularly known as ‘Irang bridge’ in Manipur which connects Imphal-Jiribam sector of National Highway 37,an important supply line, has collapsed, reports said on Sunday.

The incident took place when a truck carrying sand for construction was reportedly crossing the bridge at Taobam village, located about 100 km west of Imphal under Noney district along the Imphal-Jiribam highway around 7:20 am on Sunday, according to reports.

Though the handyman of the truck, identified as Raja, was rescued by the villagers from the incident site, the driver Khamba was reportedly trapped inside the vehicle when it fell into the Irang river, reports added.

Meanwhile the trucks going towards Silchar via Jiribam from Imphal and those vehicles which were coming towards Imphal have been diverted to alternative routes after the highway was completely cut off, the source added.

In the meantime, Manipur PWD minister Th Biswajit speaking to the reporters on the sideline of an event at Akampat in Imphal East district said that the repairing works of the bridge would be taken without delay.

Reports available here said the repairing works of the bridge will take more time.

Sunday’s incident took place barely three days after the resumption of traffic along the Imphal-Mao sector of National Highway-2,the main supply line of the state.

Last week, the Imphal-Mao sector of the highway was completely disconnected due to a massive landslide measuring around 50 metre at Khongnem Thana area in Senapati district due to incessant rains in the recent past.