Bridge collapse in Himachal injures five

Shimla, Oct 19 (IANS) At least five people were injured when a crucial concrete bridge linking Chamba town in Himachal Pradesh with Pathankot in Punjab collapsed on Thursday, an official said.

It is unclear what caused the collapse of the bridge midway on the Chamba-Pathankot national highway.

The double-lane bridge is located in Parel, just six kilometers from Chamba town and some 450 km from Shimla.

A mini truck loaded with bricks was still stranded on the collapsed bridge.

"We have ordered an inquiry," Deputy Commissioner Sudesh Mokhta told IANS. He said the injured had been admitted to a hospital in Chamba.

Police said four vehicles, including a mini truck, crashed into the concrete bridge, located on the Ravi river.

The bridge, the crucial link to Tissa in the district, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh in 2005.

Traffic is being diverted and motorists have been urged to use alternate routes, the police said.

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