Temporary bridge set up for Christmas celebrations in Kerala village collapses, several injured

Pic/PTI

A makeshift bridge, set up as part of Christmas celebrations at Poovar near Neyyattinkara here, collapsed causing injuries to several persons, police said, reported news agency PTI.

A senior officer of the district said that 7-8 persons were injured in the incident with one of them -- a woman -- suffering a major fracture in her leg, reported PTI.

"The rest suffered only minor injuries," he said, reported PTI.

The officer said the incident occurred around 9 pm on Monday when several persons got on top of the bridge which could not support their weight and slanted to one side, toppling those standing there, reported PTI.

The temporary bridge was set up for people to cross over a wall to the other side to see a waterfall and a nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus as well as other decorations as part of the Christmas celebrations, the officer said, reported PTI.

The bridge was just around five feet above the ground and was meant to support a few people at a time, he said, reported PTI.

"However, several persons climbed on to it simultaneously which resulted in the accident," the officer said, reported PTI.

The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, he added, reported PTI.

Meanwhile, state Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas on Monday said that Kerala is planning to tap the tourism potential of its 580-km coastline dotted by some of the finest seaside getaways that includes Asia's longest drive-in beach in Muzhappilangad.

Riyas said that in order to efficiently utilise the state's potential of beach tourism, the government intends to link tourist places along its vast coastline spread across nine of its 14 districts.

The Minister made the announcement while inaugurating the first floating bridge in the district at Papanasam Beach here, a Tourism Department release said.

Riyas said the floating bridge, the seventh in the state, will add to the tourist attractions in the coastal districts, according to the release.

"There is a huge potential for beach tourism in Kerala, and it will be utilised effectively. Kerala's coastline is ideal for water sports. But there are a few projects now. If effectively utilised, it will immensely contribute to the state's revenues," the minister was quoted as having said in the release.

(With inputs from PTI)