Collapsed Bridge Photo

Photographer’s Note

This was the fate of the Shimla bound truck that was trying to cross over the bridge over Sutlej river near Rekong Peo, Himachal, India. The cause of the bridge breakdown: Poor construction or maybe the truck was too overloaded.

One can see the PRAYER FLAGS (Bunting) hanging from the bridge ( This was pointed out by maderlock; Robert) .. this is kind of really ironic touch to the photo, since prayer flags are supposed to take your prayers to the Gods.

Since there was no other link between the two sides of river, one can see the brave people trying to cross the river over the broken bridge. It looks easy but it was kind of nerve wrecking especially near the end of the bridge as it was way too steep for climbing.

I had come over from the Shimla side to attend a friend's wedding a day before and was kind of shocked when I saw the fallen bridge the next day. This is a very strategic bridge as it connects the two parts of Kinnaur district. This place was notorious for bridge collapses. 3-4 bridges had collapsed over here due to the breach of a lakes or cloud bursts between 1995 and 2001. (I can't remember the dates that well now).

I could not compose the photo well as there was lots of police around and they were hushing up everybody and you definitely don't want to get into trouble with police in India.

Yeah lastly ... Everybody in the truck was lucky to have escaped with minimal injuries.

jbweasle, fotomis, poulinp, touristdidi, zenitlady, kiara, Motrem, maphoto, amol, singuanti, everlasting, slayoo, Jakou, Roly, fayeulle, capthaddock, PixelTerror, SDagher, mayabee, banyanman has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

maderlock (167) 2005-04-17 7:21

Given your obvious restrictions, the composition is pretty good, though it's not as sharp as it could be. I won't be picky though. The people on the bridge give a good sense of scale. From its position, I'm amazed nobody was hurt more. I'm glad you added that last part of your comment, as I was a little concerned when I started reading!

Somehow the pleasent colours of the scene make it seem less dangerous, less real. It was only the note that brought home what an important event this was, at least for those in the area. Finally, is that coloured bunting hanging off the bridge? If so, that's a rather ironic touch. Hmmmm.

jcandeli (40) 2005-04-17 7:34

I think you did a great job composition this photo. Maybe just crop a tiny bit off the right side but nothing major. Ia m strangly facinated by this scene. It is a great photo for TrekEarth. Hope you get more comments on it because it is great. JP

danyy (67882) 2005-04-17 8:01

Bonjour Sarju,
Une vue instructive. Et même si la photo manque un rien de netteté, on y distingue beaucoup d'éléments de détails.
Une photo très opportuniste.
Daniel.

jbweasle (9294) 2005-04-17 8:05

A fascinating photo and an informative note. In my opinion a brilliant TE picture. The composition is very good with the truck in the "thirds" position and the people looking down from the top of the frame giving a good impression of height. The bridge (unfortunately for those involved) curves beautifully through the frame. I'm very relieved to hear that those in the truck only had minimal injuries.

poulinp (4464) 2005-04-17 11:00

Very good journalistic shot. It's incredible what these guys are doing to cross the river, it looks very dangerous! Thanks for sharing!

mishreyee (0) 2005-04-18 4:23

this is incredible! thank God nobody was hurt seriously. I have never seen a photo of a collapsed bridge. well done.

bazal (7898) 2005-04-18 8:38

We can easily understand why you didn't have time to compose your picture better ! Nevertheless it's a very interesting and informative shot you present here, and it's a miracle that nobody died during this accident. The presence of people (in particular the man on the bridge !) gives an impressive idea of the scale. Great shot, thanks for sharing !
Cheers.

touristdidi (8561) 2005-04-19 9:25 [Comment]

Show Comment +

BlaiseCendrars (0) 2005-04-19 16:29

Awesome. You really caught all the drama in this shot; the people watching on the other side, the cars that cannot cross, the brave person but impatient person crossing the bridge, the wild river and of course the truck in the water.

zenitlady (219) 2005-04-20 9:03

Hello Sarju! What a startling scene! You have captured it very well! In addition to the drama of the bridge collapse and the truck in the swirling waters, I like how you have included the height and width of the gorge. The piece of bridge which has drifted downstream draws your eye in that direction, completing the story. Great action shot! Linda

amol (952) 2005-04-21 1:04

hi Sarju
great shot...
natural colours...
I like that person crossing the collapsed bridge...

Motrem (2392) 2005-04-21 19:56

It is the photo which I would call of report and it is very interesting. It is taken well, a little bit vague but the subject takes away(gains) the palm. Thank you for the sharing!

C'est une photo que j'appellerais de reportage et c'est très intéressant. C'est bien pris, un peu flou mais le sujet remporte la palme. Merci du partage!

Schultzy (5428) 2005-04-22 10:48

Waouw, impressive scene you shoot here Sarju ! The right place at the right moment. Your composition is perfect, colors and light also. Well done !

rich (1199) 2005-04-25 6:59

Fantastic shot - great mix of elements - the river, the wood and metal of the bridge, the truck and especially the two guys walking/climbing across the bridge. I remember crossing this bridge in 2002 when travelling from Tabo to Peo - funnily enough the passengers had to get off the bus and walk across behind it! Now I can see why.

maphoto (8076) 2005-04-25 20:49

Nice reporting photo Sarju, I like the contrast between the water and the cliff, taken from a good angle. I would have liked to see a little more on the top, but overall very nice composition, well done.

singuanti (15240) 2005-04-27 23:45

Hi Sarju. Wow what a moment to be there. I am amazed and thankful to hear everybody is ok in the truck. I guess by now the bridge is completely rebuilt. Great shot as you could be a reporter!

archanabhimasen (270) 2005-05-07 13:32

This is a sad and very journalistic image you have captured.

manu_itu (305) 2005-05-09 2:20

Good timing sarju. And I'm sure it's goin' to be very frighttning for me crossing this bridge next time. I guess this is the bridge that links Rekong-Peo to Karchham and Sangla velley.

everlasting (10894) 2005-05-21 3:11

What an amazing journalistic photo. I know this area very well myself and I remember the collapse of an earlier bridge. What an incredible feat the guy is making.

annagrace (2463) 2005-05-25 19:25

Great capture, Sarju! Colors and contrast are perfect. You have taken some really amazing photos in India and I'm looking forward to seeing some more of your posts, both there and in Canada.

Speedie (118) 2005-05-27 12:56

What you captured there is very impressive! The water is very blue and the composition is good!
Caroline

Ulises (1026) 2005-06-01 20:26

sarju,
what an impressive shot, i love your point of view, nice colors, you can say you were in the perfect spot at the right time
rgrds
ulises

ramesh_lalwani (3209) 2005-06-02 4:04

We do see lot of accidents on roads in J&K and Himachal but you have captured a rare shot with bridge collapse.I notice a courageous man crossing over.May be he had to somehow reach other side.
A beautiful shot.Thanks for sharing
ramesh

Jakou (642) 2005-06-14 16:38

Bonsoir Sarju,
Good composition on a tragic event. The man who is crossing the fallen bridge gives a good idea of scale. Well done.

Roly (1948) 2005-06-19 18:54

Great journalistic shot, quite a spectacular view altogether. So, did you actually cross the collapsed bridge back? A bit more sharpness would be great.

dipak (255) 2005-06-20 20:34

Nice composition. I am just trying to imagine how was it look like before. Don't you have the photo of that too?

bbs (149) 2005-06-26 22:14

Really cool shot. Accident shots like this are always interesting.

fayeulle (26539) 2005-07-27 3:03

Hoooooooooooo!
Great reporting shot
Hope you are alive ;-)
Well captured and good use of decisive moment category
Regards
JP

andrewfernandes (102) 2005-08-13 9:47

Good job you have a mnaged to compose well under you stated conditions , I know you really dont want to get in trouple with the indiaqn police
Andrew

capthaddock (28640) 2005-08-14 16:33

Hi Sarju - I ran into this one randomly, sorry I missed it earlier, a fascinating capture, I'm glad noone got hurt, wonderful job.

PixelTerror (85994) 2005-08-20 6:12

Hi Sarju,
An impressive scene you captured well here so we can get an idea how how destructive the nature can be in these mountainous ares, the photo is well framed but lacks a bit of sharpness, something a bit of PP can solve.
Have a nice day,
Jean-Yves

ScottHale (0) 2005-08-29 15:09

Impressive shot sarju,
I think you've sucessfully captured tragedy here. I think the man walking on the bridge lends well to this photo. I understand not being able to compose the shot just the way you wanted but you've done a fine job.
Scott

cam (8880) 2005-10-21 23:37

hello Sarju
One Indian photo that I missed.
A tragedy with no death but isolation as a consequence.
Courageous guy crossing to the other side and all those peoples on the flank of the mountain,they will have to go up,not an easy job
Have a good weekend
Charles

sergio1 (12150) 2005-11-06 15:39

HOla sarju
Espectacular escena. Buena composicion. Espero que nadie sufriera daños.
Saludos

xavshot (61821) 2005-12-23 7:45

Hello Sarju
je découvre cette photo que je trouve impressionnante
Bravo, joli pov
je pense que les gars du camion ont du avoir une belle peur !
merci pour le partage
Xavier

banyanman (7716) 2006-02-21 8:55

Wow, I missed seeing this before, Sarju, what a great piece of photojournalism. Composition is fine given the circumstances you were in - you've captured all the essential elements. I am not sure that I would call the two guys on the bridge 'brave' - more likely 'foolhardy'. Cheers . . . David

leiju (1679) 2006-06-26 5:38

I could not compose the photo well
?? This is a Perfect composition! We see everything here and all is very clear! It is a wonderful photjournalistic picture :D
The colors are magnificent and the POV works really well! You have not only managed to capture the image of the building but also the person trying to cross and all others waiting! :D
A lovely shot!
Thank You for sharing!
Kind regards,
Julia

Angshu (33215) 2006-06-30 4:18

Hi Sarju
This is journalist/documentary style photography at it's best...you've got a good perspective here, especially with the man crossing the bridge..
I suddenly found this old post today & I couldn't resist admiring
Best Regards
Angshu

thebig_d81 (777) 2006-07-30 14:59

One of those shocking photos for most people, but an everyday occurance, for the people of Indian himalayas. Love the angle you have portrayed with the man in the middle giving the photo more of a story. Well Done
Darren