KATHMANDU: A mishap occurred on Sunday morning when a suspension bridge over the Karnali River, used by at least 14 mules transporting daily essentials from Achham to Dailekh, experienced structural failure. The incident happened around 9:30 AM as the mules were en route from Panchadewal Binayak Municipality-9 in Achham to Aathabis Municipality-4 in Dailekh. Police reported that the breakage of two iron rods on one side of the bridge caused the mules' feet to become ensnared in the netting of the inclined bridge.

Local resident Dil Bahadur Thapa mentioned that despite the efforts, the mules remain stranded, posing a risk as the heavy load they carry could potentially cause further damage to the bridge. Concerns have been raised about the integrity of another rod on the bridge, heightening the urgency of the rescue operation.

The mules involved in the incident are owned by individuals from Achham, namely Jore Rokamagar and Rajendra Bohra. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sunil Dahal, head of the District Police Office in Dailekh, confirmed that a joint team comprising personnel from the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police had been mobilized for the rescue operation. However, the team dispatched from Rakam has yet to arrive at the scene, prolonging the wait for assistance.