Couple escapes with injuries
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In what many see as a prequel to disaster, a couple had a narrow escape after a dilapidated wooden bridge collapsed into Parvathi Puthanar Friday night.
Fearing collapse of a bridge near Karikkakom library, the residents got a temporary wooden bridge that also became brittle over years and collapsed injuring Vishnu, 52, and Mohini, 48.
Not less than four bridges in the areas like Vallakadavu, Puthenpalam, Karikkakom and Muttathara areas are in danger.
The onlookers who were present here pulled the couple out,, and both were admitted to Medical College Hospital.
Though the state government had announced Rs 85 lakh to erect a sidewall and reinforce or rebuild bridges here. However, work is progressing in slow pace citing paucity of funds.
“The bridges at Vallakadavu, Puthenpalam and Muttathara have not been strengthened in spite of heavy vehicles to FCI and airport using the path. Handrails are also missing at most spots, and there is no proper lighting. The brittle bridges and sidewall along Parvathi Puthanar serve as an ingredient for disaster. Hundreds of people daily use these bridges while not less than 90 bus services are there on this route. Minister V.S. Sivakumar, who promised to complete the project has now cited paucity of funds,” said Vallakadavu councillor Shajida Nasar.
As per local resident Nasurdeen, many bridges shake violently while others are in brittle conditions and require people to step on it with care.
A nephew of Valiyathura councillor Tony Oliver died after falling into the river after a sidewall on Parvati Puthanar collapsed.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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