Bridge collapse snaps road communication in Thakurgaon

A key bailey bridge in Thakurgaon town’s northern part collapsed on Friday evening, cutting road communication of at least 10 unions with the town. The 76-metre bridge was used by thousands of people of the town and surrounding areas. It collapsed when a truck carrying coal was crossing it. Three people were injured in the accident. The Senua Bailey Bridge was built in 1984, a LGED official told the Dhaka Tribune. It was declared risky six years ago. Witnesses and fire service officials said the bridge caved in under the weight of the ten-wheeled truck filled with coal. Thakurgaon LGED Executive Engineer Kanteshwar Barman said the bridge was declared risky long ago. “But heavy vehicles kept using the bridge ignoring our warning, which eventually led to its collapse,” he said. Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner Md Abdul Awal said the bridge’s collapse was causing inconvenience for the people. “The repair work will begin as soon as possible,” he added.