A young boy’s bravery has captured the attention of a community after he dove into a river to save his sister. Twelve-year-old Avikash Singh leaped eight meters from the Moto Bridge into the Ba River to rescue his six-year-old sister, Artika, who had fallen off the bridge.
On the day of the incident, which happened around 3:30 PM as they were returning home from school, Artika accidentally stepped backward in surprise while trying to let a speeding van pass, leading her to plunge into the river. Without hesitation, Avikash dropped his school bag and jumped in after her, utilizing his swimming skills to reach her in the swift waters, pulling her to safety by her hair.
Despite narrowly avoiding a cluster of sharp branches in the water, both children were recovered and taken to Nailaga Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries. Avikash sustained bruises, while Artika had a scratch on her arm.
In the aftermath of the incident, local educators and community members voiced their concern regarding the structural safety of the Moto Bridge. A teacher from Moto Sanatan Sammelan School, Parshu Ram, highlighted the urgent need for a proper pedestrian walkway across the bridge to prevent future accidents. He noted that the bridge’s ledges were damaged from floods two years earlier and had not been adequately repaired, raising serious safety issues for pedestrians, especially children.
The Moto community has rallied for immediate action regarding the bridge’s safety, akin to recent sentiments expressed by the Ravudra family, who experienced a similar perilous situation when their vehicle plunged into the Vuniyasu River due to the collapse of the Malakua Bridge. Both incidents underscore a critical need for infrastructure maintenance and the protection of community members who rely on these vital structures.
The hope within these events is that they may prompt local authorities to take the necessary actions to enhance safety measures, preventing tragedies and fostering an environment where families can navigate their daily lives with greater security. As this story unfolds, it serves as a potent reminder of the heroism found in our communities and the ongoing efforts needed to improve public safety infrastructure.
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