On March 9, Saturday in Thiruvananthapuram, a total of 15 individuals, including children, sustained injuries when the floating bridge at Varkala Papanassam Beach collapsed due to high tide and rough waves. Seven of the injured are currently receiving treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, with a 14-year-old girl in critical condition on ventilator support.
The Varakala police have initiated an investigation into the incident and registered a case. Tourism Minister PA Mohammad Riyas has requested an urgent report from the Tourism Director. Approximately 20 people were on the floating bridge when the rough sea conditions damaged the handrailings, leading to people, including children and women, falling into the water.
Reportedly, two individuals in critical condition have been admitted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital, while others are undergoing treatment at Varkala Taluk Hospital. Later in the evening, three more people were shifted to MCH, according to a DDMA official.
#WATCH | Kerala | Many people fell into the sea after the railing of a floating bridge collapsed in Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram. Police present on the spot.
More details are awaited.
(Video source: Police) pic.twitter.com/mxufPOvvpf
— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2024
Eyewitnesses and lifeguards mentioned that a major disaster was narrowly avoided as the number of people on the floating bridge was relatively low at the time of the incident, which occurred around 5 pm on Saturday during rough waves.
Prompt action by lifeguards and safety officers ensured the swift rescue of individuals who fell into the sea. Out of the 15 injured, two have been discharged from the hospital. The police official at Varkala Police Station stated, “The condition of the two individuals undergoing treatment at MCH is critical. A 14-year-old girl is on ventilator support. Others are undergoing treatment at Taluk Hospital.”
Floating bridges, implemented under the PPP mode at a cost of Rs 1.25 crores each, are being set up in all districts across the state. The project has faced criticism from green activists, citing irregularities and a lack of proper clearances, including permission from the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority, District Disaster Management Authority, State Pollution Control Board, and Varkala Municipality.
