An iron bridge located in front of Chunnu Sardar’s house in Kattaksthal village of Ward No. 5 of Barthi Union of Gournadi Upazila of Barishal district collapsed and a cart loaded with trees fell into the canal. The accident occurred at around 11:30 am on Thursday (January 8).
Eyewitnesses said that while crossing the bridge with a large tree in a cart, a part of the bridge suddenly collapsed. As a result, the cart with the tree fell into the canal.

A young man named Arif was injured while crossing the bridge in this incident. He is said to be the elder brother of a reserved female member of that ward.

Since the accident, the movement of the general public, including students of schools, colleges, madrasas and mosque worshippers, has been extremely difficult. At least 2 to 3 thousand people including Uttar Madra, Gorokshadoba, Dakshin Madra, Terakupi, Nandanpatti and Kattaksthal have been cut off from their communication system.

Complaining about this, Senior Joint Convener of Barthi Union BNP Md. Chunnu Sardar said, “I had already told the tree buyer Masud Sardar that the condition of the bridge is not good. You should arrange to take the tree through another route. But he did not listen to me and took the tree over the bridge. As a result, a part of the bridge collapsed.”

In this regard, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md. Ibrahim said, “I am looking into the matter. Necessary action will be taken soon.”