Truck falls into Turag River as bridge collapses in Tongi
A bailey bridge built over the Turag River in Tongi on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway collapsed this morning (21 December) causing a stone-laden dump truck to fall into the river.
The truck driver and his assistant were rescued with minor injuries.
Gazipur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) Md Ibrahim Khan confirmed the incident and said efforts were underway to recover the fallen truck.
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He said alternative traffic routes have been arranged after the incident. All passengers and vehicles plying on this road are being requested to avoid the Tongi Bridge and use the Kamarpara Munnu Gate alternative road and BRT flyover.
According to locals, the Abdullahpur-Tongi Bailey Bridge had been in dire straits for a long time without any repairs. The bridge finally collapsed today after it was unable to bear the weight of the overloaded dump truck.
In this regard, Gazipur Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Khandaker Mohammad Shariful Alam said, "The bridge was identified as risky. The police were requested to close the bridge. We also blocked it with bamboo sticks.
"Even then, this accident occurred because heavy vehicles were moving in violation of the ban."
He also said that they would try to lift the collapsed bridge. The decision regarding whether a crane can be brought under the flyover to lift the bridge or not will be taken after discussing with the higher authorities.
