21 persons have died and it is speculated that about 3 persons are missing after a suspension bridge over the Bheri River at Shubhaghat near Mehalkuna bazaar of Surkhet district collapsed on 25^th December, 2007. Many people have meanwhile returned to their homes while the injured are undergoing treatment in hospitals. Relief work has been provided to the victims by the Security Forces, the Red Cross, local political parties, civil society and other organizations. Nepal Police, the armed police force and the Nepal Army continue their rescue efforts.

The mishap happened while a large crowd of people (some eyewitnesses claims 500 to 600 persons) were crossing the bridge to participate in a local fair on the other side of the bank.  The bridge is located at about 10 km northeast from the Chhinchu bazaar.

Some facts of the collapsed bridge:

Location           : Mehalkuna VDC

Span                : 187m and Suspension Type with Steel Towers.

Completed on    :  Nepali Fiscal Year 2063/ 064 (July 2006/ June 07)

Constructed by  :  District Development Committee (DDC)

Supervision by   :  District Technical Office (DTO)

Financed by      :  GoN under Local Trail Bridge Program (LTBP)

Consultant        : Face Consultant, Kathmandu

Contractor        : D.C. Nirman Sewa, Nepalgunj

Fabricator         : Hulas Steel Industries, Simara

It is learned that the GoN is going to conduct detailed investigations of the incident.

For any queries all parties concerned are requested to contact:

Mr. Neeraj Shah, Chief, Trail Bridge Section, DOLIDAR, GoN.

Telephone:  00-977-1-5590570 or 5590936

Email: nshah@nepaltrailbridges.org

It is also learned that the Swiss Development Cooperation and Helvetas / Trail Bridge Support Unit (TBSU) are on standby for any humanitarian and relief support upon the request by the Government of Nepal.