Three bikers swept away while crossing flooded bridge in Odisha’s Koraput

Three men riding a motorcycle were swept away by gushing floodwaters while attempting to cross a submerged bridge in the Koraput district on Thursday.

The mishap took place on the Malda–Kailari bridge under Borigumma block, where water levels had risen to nearly five feet following continuous rainfall.

According to reports, the bikers entered the bridge despite the heavy flow of water. Midway through the crossing, the strong current overturned their motorcycle and carried them downstream.

Rescue Efforts by Locals

Eyewitnesses immediately rushed to the spot and managed to pull all three individuals out of the water. The motorcycle, however, was washed away and remains untraced. Sources identified the rescued men as residents of Jamuguda village in neighbouring Nabarangpur district.

Preliminary information suggests the group had travelled to Kotpad for work on Tuesday and were returning home when the mishap occurred.

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Rising Flood Concerns in the District

The incident comes amid reports of heavy rainfall across Koraput, which has left several low-lying areas waterlogged. Reports stated that floodwaters are currently overflowing multiple bridges in Borigumma block, including the Malda–Kailari crossing, where the near-tragedy occurred.

It is worth noting that the incident comes just days after 27-year-old Sagar Tudu, a well-known YouTuber from Berhampur, was swept away in Koraput.

Sagar and his fellow creator, Abhijit Behera from Cuttack, had arrived at the Duduma Waterfall to capture drone footage when a sudden release of water from the Machkund Dam triggered a powerful surge in the river.

After the sluice gates were opened, the water level rose rapidly. Sagar reportedly lost his footing on the slippery rocks and was swept away by the forceful current before help could reach him.