According to police, the dumper first collided with a car travelling ahead of it on the narrow bridge. The impact was so forceful that the car struck the railing, broke through a section nearly three feet high and fell approximately 50 feet into the river below. Fishermen present near the riverbank acted swiftly, entering the water, opening the submerged car’s door and pulling the driver to safety.
A second car approaching from behind was also damaged after it collided with the dumper moments later. The dumper itself lost balance following the crash, with its front portion left hanging precariously over the edge of the bridge.
The driver of the second car told police that traffic was moving within lanes and alleged that the dumper driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing the initial collision. Police said the exact cause of the accident is under investigation, and statements of all drivers involved are being recorded.
Following the incident, personnel from the Mortakka police outpost and Barwah police station rushed to the spot. A crane was deployed, and the rescue operation began around 1.30 am. After several hours of effort, the car that had fallen into the river was pulled out by 8 am.
The accident led to a long traffic jam on the bridge, forcing authorities to divert vehicles via the aqueduct bridge. Traffic movement was restored only after the recovery work was completed.
Although the movement of heavy vehicles is officially prohibited on the Mortakka bridge, district authorities have granted exemptions to ash-laden tippers and bulkers by categorising them as essential services. The incident has renewed concerns over safety and enforcement on the narrow bridge, particularly during night hours.
