A mine explosion on January 1 caused the collapse of the Inai Bridge on Lashio-Nammatu Road, disrupting the transportation and communication in northern Shan State.
The Inai Bridge, which is about 9 miles from Lashio, connects several important routes such as Lashio-Mansen-Nammatu, Mongton-Lashio-Manson-Panglon, and Nansang. It is also a vital link between Lashio and Mandalay.
A local resident who witnessed the incident posted a video of the damaged bridge on his Facebook account, saying: “The Inai Bridge is broken, and the cars are completely impossible to get to. Inai Bridge is gone.” He also alerted his friends and relatives about the situation.
With the Inai Bridge out of service, travelers from Lashio to Mandalay have to take a detour through the Nampaung Bridge, which is located in the town of Mongyal. This adds more time and distance to their journey.
The Inai Bridge is the fourth bridge to be targeted by mine attacks since the outbreak of fighting in Shan State (North) on October 27. The other bridges that have been damaged are Kyinthi, Sinin, and Moetay.
