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A close call was reported in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district when part of the retaining wall of a railway bridge collapsed while a passenger train was crossing it. The incident happened near Dhangu, over the Chakki river, on the Delhi–Jammu railway line close to the Punjab border.

 

The terrifying incident was caught on camera and has sparked fresh worries about railway safety and infrastructure. In the viral video, the train can be seen moving slowly across the Chakki River bridge, while the river roars beneath it. As the train crosses, part of the bridge’s base near the riverbank suddenly breaks off and gets carried away by the fast-flowing water. Just moments later, another section of the foundation also collapses into the river.

 

Luckily, the entire wall didn’t give way, and a major accident was narrowly avoided. All passengers are safe. 

 

Several people have shared a viral video of the bridge collapse on their social media handle X. 

 

Sharing the video, an X user, Nikhil Saini, wrote, “A major tragedy was narrowly avoided in Dhangu, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, as a train with hundreds of passengers onboard crossed the Chakki River bridge just moments before its foundation gave way due to heavy flooding. Locals have long been complaining that illegal mining has weakened the riverbed and nearby structures.”

 

A major tragedy was narrowly avoided in Dhangu, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, as a train with hundreds of passengers onboard crossed the Chakki River bridge just moments before its foundation gave way due to heavy flooding. Locals have long been complaining that illegal mining has… pic.twitter.com/gi06Pp3Nun

— Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini) July 21, 2025

 

The video drew a wide range of reactions, with many people calling for accountability. “Crusher industry and unchecked mining has made a Grand Canyon out of chakki, it’s effectively Pathankot though it’s in Himachal,” a user wrote.

 

Another said, “That’s nothing short of criminal negligence. Imagine a bridge collapsing while a train is crossing it a complete massacre of innocent passengers, caused by the apathy of bureaucrats. Whoever is responsible, jail would be too mild a punishment.” 

Railway officials said while the bridge is still open, urgent repair work is about to begin.

 

Interestingly, this same colonial-era bridge had partially collapsed during the floods in August 2022, forcing railways to suspend services on the route at that time. This latest incident has once again raised concerns about the aging structure and the need for timely maintenance.