Summary:
- A Bailey bridge on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway in Tongi collapsed early Saturday, causing a dump truck to fall into the Turag River.
- The bridge, in a deteriorating state for years, failed under the weight of an overloaded truck carrying stones.
- No casualties have been reported, but traffic has been redirected via the Kamarpur Munshigate alternative route.
- Authorities are investigating the incident and assessing similar infrastructure for safety concerns.
In the early hours of Saturday, December 21, a Bailey bridge on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway in Tongi, Gazipur, collapsed, sending an overloaded dump truck plunging into the Turag River. The incident occurred around 2:45 AM and has caused significant disruption to traffic on this vital route. Authorities have urged commuters to use the Kamarpur Munshigate road as an alternative.
According to local sources, the bridge, located on the Abdullahpur-Tongi stretch over the Turag River, had been in a precarious condition for an extended period. The collapse was triggered when the truck, reportedly carrying an excessive load of stones, attempted to cross. While no fatalities have been reported, the truck driver sustained minor injuries and was promptly rescued and taken to Tongi Hospital for treatment.
The Gazipur Metropolitan Police’s Traffic and Media Division confirmed the collapse and emphasized the need for alternative routes. “We request all vehicles and passengers to avoid the Tongi bridge and use Kamarpur Munshigate instead,” stated a police spokesperson.
The incident has highlighted concerns about infrastructure maintenance in the area. Residents had previously raised alarms about the deteriorating state of the bridge, but no significant action was taken to address these issues. The collapse has now prompted authorities to launch an investigation into the incident and assess the structural integrity of similar bridges in the region.
The Tongi Bailey Bridge is a critical link for commuters traveling between Dhaka and Mymensingh. Its sudden failure has caused severe traffic congestion and inconvenience for thousands of daily travelers. Efforts are underway to retrieve the submerged truck and clear debris from the site.
This event underscores the urgent need for regular inspections and timely repairs of aging infrastructure to prevent such disruptions and ensure public safety.
Source: Kalbela
