Anandapur: A bridge near Sarei in Anandapur area of Keonjhar district collapsed Saturday night following incessant rain.
Reportedly, communication between Anandapur and Sarei was disrupted after the Fafudia Bridge collapsed allegedly due to the plying of heavy vehicles on the bridge. It is also said to be worn out due to heavy downpour and has been in a dilapidated condition for long.
According to villagers, the bridge collapsed at 10 pm. Due to heavy rain since Friday night, the water level in the canal had started increasing and flowing over the bridge, weakening its strength. Then the villagers stopped vehicular movement on the bridge.
For Sarai villagers, the bridge was important. For, they were dependent upon it to reach Anandapur. But now they have to take a long detour to reach Anandapur.
Locals have blamed the district administration’s apathy for the bridge collapse. The villagers have demanded immediate reconstruction of the bridge.
PNN