By IANS,
Shimla : Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Gulab Singh Monday inspected the damaged Bailey bridge across the Beas river and ordered an inquiry to ascertain what led to its collapse.
The 110-foot span bridge in Kullu district collapsed Saturday after a truck-trailer carrying machinery for the Allian Duhangan power project tried to cross it.
However, no permission was taken by power project authorities from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the district administration for transporting heavy machinery over the bridge.
The bridge was built to withstand up to 15 tonnes of weight but the vehicle was carrying a 65-tonne load.
The minister asked officials to take action against the company for violating norms.
The truck has remained precariously perched on the collapsed bridge since Saturday. Singh asked the company to remove the truck and bear the expenses of the repair of the 110-foot span bridge.
Kullu deputy commissioner M. Sudha Devi will conduct the probe.
The bridge was a crucial link to the famous Sikh shrine at Manikaran and Gadsa valley in Kullu district.