Rain Fury / Broken Bridge, Fatal Fall: Youth Dies in Balangir After Heavy Rain

Balangir, Aug 9: A youth was killed after falling from a damaged bridge in Odisha's Balangir district following heavy rain, with the incident highlighting concerns over the safety of the broken structure.

The deceased was identified as Kemant Majhi from Damnichuan village under Turekela police station.

According to locals, Kemant had left home on a motorcycle on Saturday night for some work. It is suspected that he lost control of his motorcycle near the damaged bridge and fell into the area below along with the vehicle.

Early on Sunday morning, some villagers passing through the area noticed a motorcycle lying below the bridge. On approaching the spot, they found Kemant's body near the motorcycle.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over Damnichuan village, while Kemant's family members were left devastated after learning of his death.

According to a source, the bridge on the road connecting Damnichuan village with Dholmandal village was damaged during the recent spell of heavy rain and strong water currents. Since then, commuters have reportedly been facing difficulties using the route, particularly at night.

Residents have expressed concern over the damaged bridge and urged the authorities to repair it at the earliest and restore safe connectivity along the route.

Also Read: Overnight Search Ends as Body of Missing Youth Recovered From Kuakhai

Elderly Man Swept Away In Baitarani
The rising water level of the Baitarani River continues to cause concern among people living in riverbank areas, with an elderly person reported missing after being swept away by strong currents in Jajpur district on Sunday.

The incident occurred in Dovabil Patana village under Dasarathpur police station limits in the morning when the elderly man had reportedly gone to relieve himself near the floodwaters. According to locals, he lost his footing near the floodwater and was swept away by the strong current.

Following the incident, family members and local residents launched a search operation. Fire Services personnel later reached the spot and began a search operation. However, despite prolonged efforts, the missing man's whereabouts remained unknown.