Eight injured as bridge collapses during procession near Moodbidri

Eight people were injured after a bridge collapsed during a religious procession near Moodbidri in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, in an incident that locals say unfolded moments after a band troupe safely crossed the structure but a palanquin carrying sacred items could not.

The collapse occurred at Bavada Bailu in Pucchemogaru during a Dharmanema ceremony, when devotees were carrying Bhandara, sacred ritual items of the deities of Takode Barke, in a traditional procession from Bavadaguthu.

According to eyewitnesses, the band troupe accompanying the procession had already crossed the bridge without incident. However, as the group carrying the palanquin approached, the bridge suddenly gave way.

Stones and concrete beams reportedly fell onto the devotees, injuring at least eight people and damaging the sacred items being carried.

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital and are undergoing treatment. Authorities are yet to confirm the exact cause of the collapse, and further details are awaited.

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