Cement truck topples into flooding stream in Belagavi

A cement-laden truck got washed away in a stream in Mudalgi taluk in Belagavi early Tuesday morning. The driver was trying to cross a temporary bridge on Sangankeri-Kulgod road which collapsed sending the truck toppling into the flooding stream.

The temporary bridge was built only to maintain connectivity for people and light vehicles, while the construction of a permanent bridge at cost of Rs 7 crore is underway. The permanent bridge is being built close to the temporary one.

Though heavy vehicles were prohibited on the temporary bridge, this truck driver took the risk to get on it. The bridge was rendered unstable by the recent heavy rains and thus gave way under the weight of the truck.

The driver is said to have escaped unhurt, but he is absconding, police said.

Ghataprabha Left Bank Canal is overflowing, following the release of water from Hidkal Dam. The water leaking out of the canal flows under the temporary bridge.

The truck was transporting cement from the Dalmia Cement Plant at Yadwad in Gokak, to Kolhapur. The driver was taking a short-cut to his destination.