Uttara Kannada (Karnataka): A truck driver climbed into the cabin and saved his life when a bridge on the Kali river collapsed near Kodibhaga of Karwar city, police said on Wednesday.
The driver was rescued by the police and fishermen by boat. The lorry driver, Radhakrishna Nala Swamy (37) hailing from Kerala, survived the mishap.
The bridge, located near Kodibhaga in Karwar city connecting Karwar and Goa, collapsed around 12.50 am on Wednesday. Between the filler pillars, the bridge broke into three or four sides and fell into the river. At the same time, a truck coming from Goa towards Karwar on the bridge fell into the river. Immediately fishermen and local police rescued Swamy and admitted him to KRIMS Hospital.
The truck was completely submerged and only the cabin was visible in the water. Then the injured driver came out of the water and climbed into the truck cabin waiting for help. As soon as they got to know about the matter, the police and fishermen came into action, took the boat and rescued him, police added.
A team of officers including Uttara Kannada District Superintendent of Police Narayan, ASP Jayakumar and DSP Girish rushed to the spot. District Collector Lakshmeepriya and MLA Satish Sail also visited the spot and took stock of the situation. Earlier, a hill collapsed near Shiruru in Ankola 15 days ago due to unscientific highway road work.
