SHANGLA: A wooden bridge in Ranyal area here was damaged on Tuesday when a loaded mini-truck fell from it into Khan Khwar River, disconnecting three village councils of the area from rest of the district.

The truck driver and two other persons received minor injuries and were rescued from the river.

According to local people, a loaded mini-truck was crossing the ramshackle bridge and when it reached in the middle some of its planks broke down due to the load and as a result the vehicle fell down into the river. It was carrying sand for construction purposes.

The residents said that the bridge broke down for 8thtime since it was built in 1995 by then PPP lawmaker Afsarul Mulk. This bridge links different village councils, including Sangrai, Chichlo, Ranyal and Shatoot.

BAR ELECTION: Mohammad Naeem Khan was elected as president of the Shangla District Bar Association for year 2020-21. The annual election for the district bar was held at the bar room in Alpuri on Tuesday.

The bar members unanimously selected Naeem Khan as president. He had also served in the same position for several times in the past.

ARRESTED: Several people were arrested in Bisham here on Tuesday for taking petrol in gallons from the fuel stations and allegedly selling the same in black. Assistant commissioner, Bisham, Khuram Rehman raided a fuel station and arrested several persons getting petrol in gallons.

Meanwhile, a house was gutted at Pagorai area of Mian Kallay here on Tuesday.

According to locals, the fire broke out in the house of Shakirullah. Local people put out the blaze, but by then it had reduced the household items to ashes. The affected family has demanded financial support from the government to rebuild the house.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2020