Truck falls into river as bridge collapses in Tongi

News Desk :: A bailey bridge built over the Turag River in Tongi on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway collapsed today (21 December) causing a stone-laden truck to fall into the river. The truck driver and his assistant were slightly injured. Deputy Police Commissioner (Traffic) of Gazipur Metropolitan Police Md Ibrahim Khan confirmed the incident and said efforts are underway to recover the fallen truck.

He also said alternative routes of traffic have been arranged after the incident. All passengers and vehicles plying on this road have been requested to avoid the Tongi Bridge and use the Kamarpara Munnu Gate alternative road and BRT flyover. According to local sources, the Abdullahpur-Tongi bailey bridge had been in dire straits for a long time without any repairs. The bridge finally collapsed unable to bear the weight of the overloaded dump truck.

In this regard, Gazipur Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Khandaker Mohammad Shariful Alam said, “The bridge was identified as risky. The police were requested to close the bridge. We also blocked it with bamboo sticks. Even then, this accident occurred because heavy vehicles were moving in violation of the ban.”

He also said that we will try to lift the bridge. The decision regarding whether a crane can be installed under the flyover to lift the collapsed bridge or not will be taken after discussing everything with the higher authorities.