Partial collapse of Bailey bridge snaps Langadu-Khagrachhari road link

The Bailey bridge in Khagrachhari’s Dighinala has partially collapsed, stranding a covered van along the way and halting passenger bus service from Rangamati’s Langadu to Khagrachhari and the rest of the country.

The accident occurred in the Betchari area of the Dighinala-Langadu road around 8am on Friday, according to Md Maksudur Rahman, executive engineer of the Khagrachhari Roads and Highways Division.

Locals say a covered van carrying freight was crossing the bridge when a section of the bridge collapsed. Another section collapsed as efforts were made to recover the covered van. Traffic movement on the bridge was brought to a halt afterwards.

While motorcycles and autorickshaws are able to use an alternate route, freight trucks and buses are stuck, leading to difficulties for local residents.

Executive Engineer Maksudur said, “Passenger bus service from Langadu to Khagrachhari and the rest of the country is suspended. Our workers are trying to restore the road connectivity.”