TALTALI, BARGUNA, Mar 28: A bridge locally known as the 'Sonar Bridge', built over the Gendamara Canal at the connecting point between Chhotabogi and Karaibaria unions in Taltali Upazila of Barguna dDistrict, collapsed on Saturday morning.
Two people on a motorcycle fell into the canal and were injured.
According to local sources, the iron bridge, constructed in 2007, had been in a risky condition for a long time. Thousands of people used the bridge daily at their own peril.
On Saturday morning, the bridge suddenly collapsed as a motorcycle was crossing. Locals rushed to the scene, rescued the injured, and arranged for their treatment.
An on-site visit revealed that the iron beams of the bridge were severely rusted and corroded, with most of the decking having fallen into the canal. The hazardous iron structure that remains could cause an even bigger accident at any time.
The bridge's collapse has completely cut off the only road link for thousands of people in the Gendamara and Sundariya villages. This has also severely disrupted students attending nearby schools, including Chhotabogi Gendamara Government Primary School, Etim Manjil Girls' Dakhil Madrasah, and Ummul Qura School, College and Madrasah.
Patients and ordinary residents are facing immense suffering. The transport of emergency patients and the movement of agricultural produce have been particularly disrupted.
Locals have alleged that despite the bridge being in a dilapidated state for a long time, the authorities concerned took no effective action. Although demands for repairs were made multiple times, they were never implemented.
Md Zahidul Islam, Executive Officer of Taltali Upazila, said the matter is being viewed seriously. He stated that necessary measures would be taken after an immediate inspection. As an interim solution, steps are being taken to construct a temporary bridge.
