A Bailey bridge on National Highway-5 in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district collapses as a truck crosses it, sending the vehicle into the Sutlej River. Reports say the bridge at Choling/near Urni-Dhank (also referred to as Urni Dhank area) fails within seconds, as shown in CCTV footage circulating online. The truck, carrying gravel and reported to be overloaded, is travelling toward Tapri when the structure gives way. The driver survives the fall with minor injuries. Several accounts note that the Sutlej River’s relatively low water level may have reduced the severity of the outcome.
The collapse disrupts a key road link between Kinnaur and nearby districts, including the route connecting Kinnaur with Kaza in Lahaul and Spiti and links toward Shimla, affecting travel during a high tourist season. Authorities suspend movement on the damaged stretch and put diversion routes in place, sending vehicles via the Urni-Dhank alternative route and adding distance and time. Local residents raise concerns about whether the bridge, which reportedly had undergone repairs earlier, can safely handle heavy vehicles. Officials state that damage assessment and restoration work are under way and urge commuters to follow the designated diversions.
