Devotees on ‘bhandara’ procession fall into stream after footbridge collapses

Mangaluru: The video of devotees, who were taking out a ‘bhandara' procession carrying a ‘pallakki' (palanquin), falling into a stream after an old footbridge collapsed went viral on social media. Nearly eight people sustained injuries after the footbridge, made of laterite stones, collapsed during a procession of a daivasthana in Puchemogaru near Moodubidire on Wednesday.As part of the dharma nema festival of the daivasthana in the village, devotees were carrying out a procession of ornaments and other items when the incident took place. The old bridge, about 10 metres long, collapsed when the devotees were crossing it. After the band crossed the bridge, those carrying the palanquin with the ornaments followed them. As they were crossing the footbridge, it collapsed, and they reportedly fell into a ditch about 10 feet deep where there was no water flow.On learning about the incident, locals rushed to the scene and rescued the injured. The bridge was said to be around 50 years old and in a dilapidated condition.Moodubidire police said that many of those who sustained injuries took treatment in private hospitals. They did not report the incident, police said, adding that no case was registered.
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