Sand-Laden Truck, Easy Bike and Bicycle Fall into Canal, At Least 5 Injured

A risky Bailey bridge in the Panchuria area on the main road of Gopalganj town collapsed on Sunday morning, causing a sand-laden truck, an easy bike, and a bicycle to plunge into a canal. At least five people, including drivers and passengers, were injured in the incident.

The accident occurred around 8:00 am on Sunday (June 14). The collapse of the bridge has severely disrupted communication between the district town and surrounding areas, leaving thousands of commuters facing significant hardship.

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, a sand-laden truck was crossing the aging and heavily used Bailey bridge in Panchuria when the structure suddenly gave way. As the truck reached the middle of the bridge, the weakened structure failed to withstand the load and collapsed into the canal with a loud cracking sound.

An easy bike carrying passengers and a bicycle that were immediately behind the truck were also dragged into the canal as the bridge collapsed.

Local residents rushed to the scene and began rescue operations immediately after the accident. With their assistance, the injured were recovered from the canal and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The injured include the truck driver, the easy bike driver, passengers, and other victims, bringing the total number of injured to at least five.

The collapse of this vital bridge on the district's main road has effectively cut off a key transportation link for thousands of people in southwestern Gopalganj. Office workers, students, patients, and other commuters are now experiencing severe difficulties in reaching the district town.

As an alternative, vehicles are currently being diverted through the Lake Road route. However, the road is narrow and riddled with potholes, causing heavy traffic congestion and making travel both slow and hazardous.

Local residents have urged the authorities to take immediate measures to restore transportation connectivity and to construct a permanent and safe bridge to prevent similar incidents in the future.