Darjeeling Bridge Collapse: Residents Recount Midnight Disaster That Claimed 20 Lives

Darjeeling residents have shared their terrifying experiences with NDTV following a devastating bridge collapse in the area.

Mirik:

In the early hours at approximately 2:30 am, residents of West Bengal's Darjeeling faced a nightmarish situation when a critical bridge in the region suddenly collapsed. A local resident informed NDTV that the bridge's collapse also brought down two nearby houses, which plunged into the river below.

According to eyewitness accounts, the water levels rose with such alarming speed that inhabitants had virtually no time to comprehend the unfolding disaster or seek safety.

"We had been monitoring the increasing intensity of rainfall and had decided to evacuate if the situation worsened," a local resident explained to NDTV while gazing at the remnants of the collapsed bridge in the distance.

"Around 2:30 am, we heard a tremendous noise. Immediately afterward, we gathered our essential documents, grabbed some clothing, and fled to safety," he recounted.

The resident indicated the riverbank location where two houses had previously stood before they collapsed simultaneously with the bridge, resulting in fatalities among their occupants.

The catastrophe in Darjeeling was precipitated by intense overnight rainfall. The Dudhia iron bridge, which connected Mirik and Kurseong, completely gave way under the pressure.

North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha informed news agency PTI that twenty people lost their lives in various incidents related to landslides and the bridge collapse.

Residents explained to NDTV that their side of the collapsed structure is situated in a valley, while Mirik, which was previously accessible via the bridge, is located in a hilly region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives in Darjeeling.

"We are closely monitoring the situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas following heavy rains and landslides. We remain committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected," he stated earlier today.

The landslides have severely disrupted connectivity on numerous routes, including essential rural roads, hampering relief operations. Several villages have been completely isolated as a result.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has dispatched multiple teams to the rain-ravaged Mirik town in Darjeeling subdivision to assist with rescue and relief efforts.