Bridge on Tholur-Karuvanpady road in Thrissur collapses, major disaster averted

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A small bridge on the Tholur–Karuvanpady road near the Tholur Vishnu temple in the district collapsed on Wednesday morning, creating a large crater and prompting authorities to completely ban traffic along the route.

The incident occurred around 10 a.m. While several vehicles had passed over the bridge shortly before the collapse, a major tragedy was narrowly averted.

The bridge is a crucial route used by commuters and school students. With reconstruction work under way on the main Tholur bridge for over six months, traffic had been diverted through this weaker alternative route on a one-way basis.

The collapse has now hit commuters in the Kaiparambu-Parappur region, effectively cutting off a key link and increasing travel hardships.

Residents alleged that the situation worsened due to administrative negligence. They pointed out that the main bridge was demolished without ensuring a safe alternative, and that reconstruction work had been progressing at a slow pace.

Adding to concerns, another bridge near Menchera Padavu on the Edakkalathur-Tholur main road is reportedly in a similarly pathetic condition, raising fears of further accidents.

Local people have demanded that urgent intervention be made by the authorities to restore connectivity and ensure safe travel in the area.