Feb 28, Kathmandu - The Bailey Bridge connecting Makalu Rural Municipality wards 5 and 2 has collapsed, disrupting vital transportation routes in the region. The bridge over the Arun River, which links Makalu-5, Num, and Sediwa in ward 2, buckled under the weight of a cement-laden truck.

According to District Police Office Sankhuwasabha DSP Kumar Prasad Mainali, the incident occurred on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. when a truck carrying construction materials for the under-construction Kasuwa Hydropower project attempted to cross the bridge and fell into the Arun River.

The fallen truck, bearing the registration number Province-03-001 K 2920, ended up submerged in the river. The driver, identified as 40-year-old Arjun Shrestha of Bhotebas Municipality-9, Sindhupalchowk, sustained serious injuries in the accident. He is currently receiving treatment at Num Primary Health Center and is being prepared for transfer to Kathmandu.

The collapse has caused a complete blockade of the Num-Seduwa road segment, severely affecting local residents, tourists heading to Makalu Base Camp, and the transportation of daily essentials. The authorities are actively coordinating to repair the bridge and establish alternative routes. Discussions are ongoing with Kasuwa Hydropower Company regarding repair and maintenance measures.

The incident underscores the urgent need for infrastructural safety and prompt action to restore connectivity in this remote region.