Jun 15, Kathmandu - The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has formed a committee to investigate the incident of the collapse of an under-construction bridge over the Hewa River connecting Phidim 4 and Hilihang 7 on the Phidim-Taplejung road section of the Mechi Highway.

Minister Devendra Dahal has formed a five-member study and investigation committee on Sunday by taking a ministerial decision.

The committee, formed under the coordination of Deputy Director General of the Department of Roads, Lalijan Khanal, includes Binod Kumar Mauwar, Chief of the Federal Road Supervision and Monitoring Office, Damak, Jibendra Mishra, Chief of the Road Division Office, Butwal, Shyam Kumar Yadav, Chief of the Damak Division, and Amit Kumar Verma, CDE of the Department of Roads.

The committee has been tasked with conducting an on-site study and investigation into the cause of the bridge collapse, suggestions to be adopted to prevent such incidents in the future, and the issue of temporarily operating traffic at the site, and submitting a report within 7 days. The committee has already started its work on Sunday.

Three people died when the bridge collapsed.