Woman killed after barricaded iron bridge collapses over drain in North Delhi

A woman was killed on Tuesday morning after a 60-foot iron pedestrian bridge collapsed over a drain in Roop Nagar , triggering a major rescue operation and renewed concerns over unsafe urban infrastructure.

Police said the bridge had already been declared structurally unsafe and closed to the public with barricades. Despite this, locals reported that some people continued to use the span. The victim, believed to be around 50 years old and reportedly a beggar who frequently sat near one end of the bridge, was present when the structure suddenly gave way.

A PCR call was received at about 9:28 a.m. , after which teams from Delhi Police, the Delhi Fire Service and the National Disaster Response Force rushed to the site. The bridge had collapsed into a drain carrying a strong current, complicating rescue efforts. Personnel used ropes to descend onto the twisted metal remains. The woman’s body was eventually recovered from the water by members of the Delhi Boat Club .

Authorities believe she either fell with the collapsing structure or was swept away by the current, leading to fatal injuries and probable drowning. Her identity has yet to be confirmed.

Experts say a bridge is deemed unsafe when inspections reveal severe corrosion, cracks, weakened supports, or foundation damage. Structures over drains are especially vulnerable because constant moisture and pollution accelerate metal deterioration, increasing the risk of sudden failure.

The bridge belonged to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department. Officials have cordoned off the area and ordered a detailed technical inquiry to determine the exact cause of the collapse, while police continue efforts to identify the deceased.