Eight Injured as Footbridge Collapses During Daiva Procession in Moodbidri

Mangalore Today News Network

Moodbidri, Apr 26, 2026: A major accident occurred during a Daiva Bhandara procession in Puchemogaru Bavada Bailu area of Moodbidri taluk in Dakshina Kannada district, leaving eight persons injured and triggering concern among locals.

The incident took place during the traditional Takode Barke Dharmaneema ritual, in which the Daiva Bhandara is carried in a ceremonial procession. The sacred items were placed in a palanquin and borne on the shoulders of devotees when the mishap occurred.

According to eyewitnesses, the narrow footbridge along the procession route suddenly collapsed amid the sounds of traditional instruments and devotional chants. The sudden failure of the structure caused the palanquin to lose balance and overturn. A beam from the collapsed bridge reportedly fell on the bearers, resulting in injuries to both those carrying the palanquin and nearby participants.

The injured have been identified as Sunil Shetty Mukaldi (Maruru), Lokesh Bhandari and others, all of whom were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital. While some sustained minor injuries, a few are reported to be seriously hurt.

The incident also led to damage to the Mogamurthi (sacred idol) and other religious items in the palanquin, adding to the distress of devotees. A video of the accident has since surfaced on social media, showing the moment the bridge gave way and the palanquin toppled.

Meanwhile, locals have urged authorities to carry out prior inspections of footbridges, roads and other infrastructure along procession routes to prevent such incidents. The accident has underscored the need for stricter safety measures during large religious gatherings, with residents calling for steps to ensure that such mishaps do not recur.