MAWKYRWAT, Jan 16: A truck loaded with bricks was knocked down after a bridge at Photkroh village under Ranikor Civil Sub-Division, South West Khasi Hills, collapsed Sunday morning. Later, the Mawphlang-Balat-Gumaghat-Maheskhola road was temporarily closed for vehicular movement until further orders.
In a statement, the Executive Engineer of PWD (Roads), Ranikor, KC Nongrum, said, “Vehicles plying towards Ranikor, Borsora, Nonghyllam, Nongjri, Khonjoy and Maheshkhola etc. are requested to go via Jakrem – Ranikor (JR) Road via Mawkyrwat-Rangthong-Nongnah”.
Sources informed that the incident occurred circa 10 AM when a truck (ML10C1696) loaded with bricks, en route to Nongjri area from Shillong, was passing through the bridge. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
On learning about the incident, the general secretary of the FKJGP South West Khasi Hills District, Balse Kharbani, along with some members visited the place of occurrence and expressed concern over the incident stating that it will affect the people, especially those with medical urgencies and transport of essential commodities.
The FKJGP leader also lambasted the government, particularly the PWD (Roads) for allegedly not taking action against the contractor engaged in construction of the new RCC bridge in the same area, which is incomplete since years. “Luckily it was the truck that fell during the bridge collapse. If it was a passenger bus, who will take responsibility for a possible loss of life,” Kharbani said, while pointing out that there are many old and weak bridges under Ranikor Civil Sub-Division.
He even expressed fear stating that one such bridge at Poksora village may collapse anytime. He added that the FKJGP will soon conduct an inspection of all the bridges in Ranikor area.