A major accident was averted in Chhattisgarh after a bridge on the Bilaspur–Ratanpur–Pendra Roadcollapsed while a passenger bus was crossing it. The front portion of the bus got stranded on the broken slab, preventing it from plunging into the river. All passengers were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.

The incident occurred around 5 pm on Sunday at Bansajhal Bridge, a nearly 35-year-old structure located on the under-construction National Highway-45 corridor connecting Bilaspur with Jabalpur.

Bus Stuck on Broken Bridge

According to officials, the bridge split into two sections as the bus was passing over it. The vehicle's front wheels became trapped at the edge of the collapsed slab, while the rear portion remained on the intact section of the bridge.

Passengers were immediately brought out safely before authorities sealed off the route.

Road Connectivity Severed

The collapse has completely disrupted traffic between Bilaspur, Pendra, Gaurela, Amarkantak and Manendragarh, while also cutting off a key road link to Jabalpur and Shahdol in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh.

The Bilaspur–Ratanpur highway has been closed for traffic, and the administration has diverted vehicles through alternate routes until further notice.

Bridge Part of ₹510-Crore Highway Project

The damaged bridge is located on the 97-km Ratanpur–Pendra road stretch, which is being developed under the National Highway-45 project at an estimated cost of ₹510 crore.

The project remains under construction, but concerns had already been raised over the condition of the newly built road. Several stretches reportedly developed cracks and subsidence following the first spell of monsoon rains.

Questions Over Construction Quality

Residents and commuters have alleged that portions of the highway have developed long surface cracks, sinking patches and damaged shoulders, despite construction still being underway.

The bridge collapse has renewed concerns over the quality of construction and the durability of infrastructure built under the project.

Authorities are expected to examine whether the recent heavy rainfall alone caused the collapse or if construction deficiencies also contributed to the incident.

Traffic Diverted, Probe Underway

Police and district administration officials reached the spot soon after the bridge collapsed and barricaded both ends to prevent further movement.

Passengers stranded on either side were assisted by officials, while vehicles were redirected through alternate routes.

Authorities have advised commuters to avoid the Bilaspur–Pendra route until restoration work is completed and traffic is declared safe.

An inspection of the damaged bridge and adjoining highway stretch is underway.