Bailey bridge collapses due to landslide in Mirsarai, traffic halted

A Bailey bridge collapsed in Mirsarai of Chattogram due to the strong flow of landslides caused by heavy rains.

One side of the bridge on the Govania stream in Ward No. 4 of Mirsarai Municipality on the Mirsarai Chandpur Govania-Fatikchhari road, suddenly collapsed at 3pm on Saturday.

Traffic has come to a complete halt due to the collapse.

Locals said that the bridge had been in a risky condition for a long time. A few days ago, Mirsarai Municipality authorities had declared the bridge risky and put up a warning signboard.

During an on-site inspection at 4pm, it was seen that the soil on the northern side of the bridge had shifted due to the strong current and it collapsed. When the news of the bridge collapse spread, curious people from the surrounding areas flocked to the spot. Some are crossing the tilted bridge by walking on it, risking their lives.

One Md. Monirul Islam said that this bridge is one of the main means of communication between Mirsarai Municipality and Narayanhat Bazar in Fatikchhari Upazila. Not only passenger traffic, bamboo, wood, seasonal fruits, vegetables and lemons are transported from the hilly areas on this route. Farmers and traders have faced serious losses during the mango, jackfruit and pineapple seasons due to the collapse of the bridge.

Mirsarai Municipality Administrator and Mirsarai Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Saiful Islam said that the collapse of the bridge has been reported to the Deputy Commissioner. He also said that this road is under the Roads and Highway Department.

Mohammad Farhan, Sitakunda Sub-Divisional Engineer of Roads and Highway Department in Chattogram District, said that immediate action was taken after receiving the news of the bridge collapse. He said that the repair work will start from Sunday morning.

Locals claim that if the bridge is not rebuilt quickly, public suffering and economic losses will increase due to the closure of this important road.