Bridge collapse disrupts communications

OUR CORRESPONDENT
BENAPOLE, Apr 20: A decades-old dilapidated bridge in Dihi Union of Sharsha Upazila in Jashore collapsed under the weight of a sand-laden truck, disrupting communication between several surrounding villages.
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon in Raghunathpur village along the Raghunathpur-Pakshia road.On-site observations revealed that the collapse of the bridge has left communication between the villages of Raghunathpur, Pakshia, Tengraly, Bheurdaari, Panditpur, Khalishakhali and Saratalas, among others, disrupted. Thousands of residents are now suffering immense hardship as a result.
Local sources said the bridge was constructed in the 1980s and had long remained in a risky condition due to lack of renovation.
A fatal accident was narrowly avoided as the front portion of the truck managed to move onto the connecting road during the bridge's collapse. All types of vehicular movement on the Raghunathpur-Pakshia road remained suspended since then.
Residents demanded immediate reconstruction of the bridge to restore communication, along with a proper investigation into the incident and accountability for those responsible.
Local resident Aminur Rahman said the bridge had been in a fragile state for a long time. "Now that it has collapsed, our communication system is completely cut off. There is no way to take emergency patients to hospitals. We are living in extreme insecurity," he said.
Sharsha Upazila Engineer Md. Sanaullah said he learned about the matter through the Upazila Nirbahi Officer. A team has already been sent to inspect the site and steps will be taken in consultation with higher authorities to construct a new, durable bridge, as soon as possible.
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