Mangaluru (Karnataka), Apr 25 (PTI) Eight people were injured after a footbridge allegedly collapsed during a religious procession in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, police said here on Saturday.
The incident occurred at Bavadabaile near Hosabettu in Moodbidri taluk on late Friday night, when devotees were carrying a palanquin with sacred offerings as part of preparations for a “Dharmanema” ritual, they said.
According to officials, around 25 people participated in the procession, which had commenced from a shrine at Sanadgudde Padihodibettu and was proceeding towards a residence at Takode Barke. The group, accompanied by traditional musical instruments, was crossing a narrow footbridge when the mishap took place.
Preliminary reports indicate that the bridge collapsed after a supporting beam gave way when the group reached the middle.
The palanquin and several participants fell into a trench estimated to be around 10 feet deep.
One of the participants, identified as Harish, sustained fractures in both legs, while Sunil Shetty of Maroor suffered serious injuries. Six others sustained minor injuries.
Locals rushed to the spot and assisted in rescuing the injured, who were later shifted to a private hospital in Moodbidri for treatment, police said.
The footbridge was constructed nearly five decades ago and was in a weakened condition, they added. PTI COR AMP ROH
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