A motorable bridge over a stream at Dhankute Road in Dharan collapsed on Thursday night.

The 15 metre bridge that connected Koshi Highway to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences ( BPKIHS) collapsed as the east foundation of the bridge caved in.

The collapsed bridge has also damaged water pipeline of Dharan Sub-metropolitan-9 and 19, depriving around 500 families of drinking water. Local Bijaya Achhami said the bridge authorities did not bother to repair it though it had developed cracks at the foundation.

Vehicular movement along the road has come to a halt after the bridge collapsed. Police said ambulances ferrying patients to the BPKIHS are now compelled to take a longer route from Putali line.

Local Sunil Khadka said the bridge collapsed due to builders’ carelessness. It was constructed 21 years ago by the Department of Roads.