An under-construction bridge suddenly collapses today in Kozhikode, badly injuring one worker. The incident occurs this morning at the major bypass road project site, sending immediate concern across the city. Emergency teams rush to the scene, quickly pulling the injured worker from the fallen structure. Officials now begin a serious check to find out why this new bridge section gave way, raising urgent questions about building safety on large public works. This unexpected collapse stops all construction and creates worry about the timeline for completing this essential city link.
Under-Construction Bridge Section Breaks in Kozhikode, Worker Hurt
Understanding the Accident
A section of a bridge currently being built in Kozhikode city suddenly fell down on Thursday afternoon. The accident happened around 2:30 PM at the new bridge project site near Meenchantha. Workers were busy on the bridge structure when the part gave way. One worker was hurt in the incident and quickly taken to a nearby hospital. The sound of the collapse was loud and surprised people living and working close by. Dust filled the air for some moments after the bridge section fell.
“I was serving tea at my shop when I heard a very loud noise, like a thunderclap,” said Rajeshwari, who runs a small tea stall nearby. “Then I saw a cloud of dust rising from the bridge site. It was very scary.”
The fallen section was part of the approach road structure, specifically a concrete slab that was being put into place. Engineers and construction workers were on site at the time, guiding the process. Initial reports suggest the collapse involved a concrete girder and part of the deck section, which crashed onto the ground below. Safety measures at the site, including barriers and warning signs, were in place. the sudden nature of the collapse prevented wider harm to passersby.
Worker’s Condition
The worker hurt in the collapse has been identified as Manoj Kumar, 38 years old. He is originally from Bihar and was working on the bridge as a laborer. He suffered injuries to his leg and arm. After the accident, fellow workers and emergency teams quickly helped him out from the debris. He was then moved to the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Doctors at the hospital said his condition is stable but he needs close watch. They are doing more tests to make sure there are no other internal injuries. His family has been told about the accident.
Dr. Suresh Kumar, a senior doctor at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, stated, “Mr. Manoj Kumar was brought in with a fractured left leg and some bruising on his right arm. We have stabilized his condition. he is receiving proper care. He is out of danger. his recovery will take time.”
Other workers on the site were shaken but not physically hurt. They expressed shock over the incident and concern for their colleague. Work at the site has stopped for now as authorities begin their investigation into what caused the collapse.
The Bridge Project
The bridge where the accident happened is part of the vital Kozhikode Western Bypass Extension Project. This new bridge aims to connect Meenchantha with Mankavu, making travel easier for many people and reducing traffic in busy city areas. The project is a key part of the city’s plan to improve its roads and transportation network. It is meant to ease the flow of vehicles, especially heavy trucks, away from the city center, which will make daily commutes faster for thousands of residents. The bridge has been under construction for the past two years and was expected to be finished by early next year.
The Public Works Department (PWD) of Kerala is in charge of the project, with a well-known private construction company, Bharath Infrastructure Ltd. , handling the building work. The project involves building several such sections and connecting them. At the time of the collapse, the workers were putting up one of the final large sections of the bridge deck, an essential stage before the final surface could be laid down.
| Project Detail | data |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Kozhikode Western Bypass Extension Project (Meenchantha-Mankavu Bridge) |
| Location | Near Meenchantha, Kozhikode |
| Purpose | Ease city traffic, connect Meenchantha and Mankavu |
| Estimated Cost | Approximately 150 Crore Rupees |
| Original Completion Date | Early 2026 |
Immediate Actions Taken
Soon after the collapse, emergency teams rushed to the site. Police, fire and rescue services. ambulance crews arrived within minutes. The area was immediately blocked off to keep people away and ensure safety. Rescue workers used special tools to clear the fallen parts and make sure no one else was trapped. The injured worker was given first aid at the scene before being taken to the hospital. Local police worked to manage traffic, setting up new routes to avoid the accident spot and prevent more jams. Senior officials from the district administration also visited the site to check on the situation and oversee the initial response efforts. They spoke with the site managers and emergency teams to get a full picture of what happened and what help was needed.
Beginning the Investigation
A detailed investigation into the bridge section collapse has started. The Public Works Department (PWD) has formed a special team of engineers and technical experts to look into the incident. The team will examine the design plans, the quality of materials used. the construction methods followed. They will also check if all safety rules were properly followed at the site. Police have also started their own inquiry, collecting statements from workers, site supervisors. company officials. They are looking for any possible human error or rule breaking. The main goal of the investigation is to find out exactly why the bridge section fell down. It could be due to a problem with the design, a fault in the materials, issues during the building process, or a mix of these reasons. Authorities have said they will not make quick guesses about the cause.
The District Collector of Kozhikode, Ms. Kavitha Menon, stated, “We have ordered a thorough and quick investigation into this unfortunate incident. Our priority is to find out the exact cause so that such events can be prevented in the future. We assure the public that strict action will be taken if any negligence is found.”
Perspectives from Officials
Local government officials have expressed serious concern over the bridge collapse. The District Collector visited the site shortly after the incident and spoke with police and PWD engineers. She stressed the need for a full and fair investigation. She also said that the safety of workers and the public is the most essential thing. The PWD Minister, while speaking to reporters, stated that all ongoing construction projects in the state will be reviewed for safety if needed, following the findings of this investigation. He promised that the government would ensure full transparency in the inquiry process and keep the public informed. He also sent his best wishes for the quick recovery of the injured worker. Officials have urged everyone to avoid spreading false data and allow the expert teams to do their work properly to determine the facts.
A senior engineer from the Public Works Department, who requested anonymity as the investigation is ongoing, remarked, “Every construction project has safety protocols. We need to determine if there was any deviation from these protocols or if there was an unforeseen structural issue. It’s too early to draw conclusions.”
Contractor’s Response
Bharath Infrastructure Ltd. , the company building the bridge, has issued an initial statement regarding the accident. The company expressed regret over the incident and wished a quick recovery for their injured worker. They stated that they are fully cooperating with the authorities and the investigation teams. A company spokesperson said they have their own internal team looking into the matter to comprehend what went wrong. They also mentioned that safety is a top priority for them and they follow strict safety guidelines at all their sites. The company has promised to provide all necessary documents and data to the investigation committee. They also confirmed that they would take responsibility for the worker’s medical expenses and provide support to his family during this difficult time. They have also assigned senior company personnel to be at the site and assist with the ongoing inquiry, providing any technical details required.
A representative for Bharath Infrastructure Ltd. said, “We are deeply saddened by the incident and the injury to our colleague. We are working closely with all government agencies to find out the cause. Our thoughts are with Manoj and his family. we will ensure he receives the best possible care.”
Local Concerns and Impact
The bridge collapse has caused worry among local residents in Kozhikode. Many people use the roads near the construction site every day. they are now concerned about the safety of other ongoing building projects in the city. Some residents gathered near the site after the accident, asking questions about safety standards. Local community leaders have also called for more strict checks on all public construction works to prevent similar events. The incident is also expected to delay the completion of the bridge, which was already a much-awaited project for easing traffic. People are eager to know when the investigation will be complete and when construction can start again. The collapse has also raised questions about how effectively large-scale projects are overseen and managed in the region.
Looking Ahead
The next few days will focus on the ongoing investigation. The team of experts will collect more evidence, including material samples from the collapsed section and technical drawings of the bridge. They will review all construction records and worker logs. The site will remain closed until the investigation is complete and it is declared safe to restart work. Based on the findings, decisions will be made about repairing the damaged section and continuing the rest of the bridge project. Any new safety measures or changes to building plans will depend on what the investigation reveals. Authorities have stated that the aim is to ensure the bridge is built safely and strongly, even if it means delays. The final report of the investigation is expected to be made public once it is complete, giving a full account of the accident.
