The bridge was constructed with a view to link Padana, Baniyabhar and Magaragadi VDCs with district headquarters. Locals accused the contractor and the Department of Roads of negligence in constructing the bridge, resulting in a fragile structure.

AP Construction Company in Rukum was tendered to build the two years ago at the cost of Rs 15.9 million.

The bridge, however, was not completed on time, citing various problems for the delay.

According to a local resident, Purna Sharma, the constructing the bridge without adequate assessment of risk factors led to the damange. “Even with the locals warning the concerned authorities of possible erosion in the area, the company nonetheless went ahead with the construction,” he said.

Nibandha Oli, a representative of the construction company, said the bridge was swept away after the soil near Babai river eroded.