Bailey bridge collapses with truck on it, disconnecting Dhobaura from Mymensingh

The bridge was declared risky 10 years ago, Upazila executive officer Mosharraf Hossain says

The collapse of a Bailey bridge over the Kangsa River in Dhobaura Upazila of Mymensingh has cut off its road communication with the district Sadar, including Tarakanda.

The bridge collapsed around 4am on Sunday in the Goatala Bazar area as soon as a sand-laden truck got on it, said Dhobaura Upazila administrator (UNO) Md Mosharraf Hossain.

No casualties were reported in the incident. However, thousands of people, students, employees, businessmen and ordinary passengers on both sides of the river have been suffering as all types of traffic on the Tarakanda-Dhobaura main road have been suspended.

Built over the Kangsa River, this bridge is one of the main means of communication between Dhobaura Upazila, various neighbouring areas and Mymensingh Sadar. Hundreds of motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, pickups, small vehicles and countless pedestrians use this road every day.

Locals said that various parts of this old bridge had become weak, and had been in risky condition for a long time due to lack of necessary repairs or any alternative measure. Finally, it collapsed.

Local resident Abdur Rashid said that cracks had appeared in various parts of the bridge for a long time. “Although the matter was reported to the public representatives and concerned officials several times, no effective action was taken. As a result, the communication system of the entire area has collapsed today (Sunday).”

Another resident, Habibullah, said after the bridge collapsed, many people were taking a risk by crossing the river on foot as the structure fell into the dry part of the river along with the truck.

However, the lack of any vehicle access has created a major crisis in the transportation of emergency patients, students, agricultural products and goods.

Local resident Md Saiful Islam said, "It is urgent to arrange an alternative bridge or temporary means of crossing. Thousands of people use this road every day. If urgent measures are not taken, public suffering will increase and economic activities in the area will be severely affected."

UNO Mosharraf said, "I visited the scene as soon as I was informed. Officials from the administration and the Roads and Highways Department are at the scene. Steps are being taken to repair the bridge or introduce an alternative communication system."