The death toll from the collapse of a floating bridge in Dewanganj upazila of Jamalpur district has risen to five after another child died from drowning in the Brahmaputra River.
The incident occurred on Eid day around 4:00 PM on a floating bridge in front of Dewanganj Police Station, casting a shadow of grief over the area.
The victims were identified as Mayamoni, 10, daughter of Zainal Mia from Dakatia Para village; Abdul Motaleb, 6, and his sister Khadija, 12, children of Sher Ali from Jhalurchar area; Abir Hossain, 14, son of Habibullah from Beltoli area; and Hafez Mihad, 16, son of Zainal from Balu village.
According to local sources, a large crowd had gathered on the bridge to celebrate Eid. The structure, unable to carry the excessive weight, collapsed and threw many into the river. While most managed to swim ashore, several children went missing.
Fire Service personnel quickly launched rescue operations, and by around 9:30 PM, the bodies of all five missing children had been recovered.
Local tea stall owner Mokbul Mia said the bridge had been in a fragile condition for nearly a year and eventually gave way under the pressure of the crowd.
Rafiqul Islam, uncle of Hafez Mihad, said the teenager was a madrasa student visiting home for Eid and blamed the poor condition of the bridge for the tragedy.
Local Member of Parliament M Rashiduzzaman Millat visited the site and assured that support would be provided to the victims’ families. He also announced plans to build a permanent bridge at the location.
Senior Station Officer of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence in Jamalpur, Sheikh Rabiul Islam Akand, confirmed that all five bodies had been recovered and that no one else remained missing.
SH
