Broken bridge turns into death trap

A damaged bridge in Juranpur village under Goalmari Union in Daudkandi upazila, Cumilla, is a daily hazard for residents who risk serious accidents while crossing it.

The bridge, located on the road connecting Jhautoli Chourasta intersection to Pachgachia, was built nearly three decades ago. The middle portion collapsed long ago, yet it continues to be used by pedestrians and vehicles due to the lack of an alternative route.

During a recent visit to the site, it was found that the broken section had been temporarily covered with sand-filled bags. From a distance, the damage is almost impossible to detect, making it particularly dangerous for unfamiliar drivers and visitors.

Local residents say the structure has effectively turned into a silent death trap.

Abdul Mannan, chairman of Goalmari Union Parishad, said the bridge had exceeded its service life years ago. He added that several temporary repair attempts had been made with local support, but no permanent solution has been implemented.

“Engineers have visited the site several times and assured us of action,” he said. “But we have yet to see any real progress.”

Zainab Bibi, who lives near the bridge, said accidents are not uncommon there. She recalled an incident in which an autorickshaw fell into the broken section, leaving several passengers injured.

“We heard people screaming and rushed out of our homes,” she said. “We tried to help by bringing ice and water, but everyone was terrified.”

Eighty-two-year-old resident Tota Mia said the majority of people in the area depend on agriculture, producing crops such as paddy, maize, wheat and potatoes. However, large trucks and goods carriers often avoid the risky bridge, making it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to markets.

“When vehicles refuse to cross, farmers cannot take their crops to market,” he said. “Many are losing interest in farming because of this.”

The damaged bridge also creates difficulties during emergencies. Residents claim that ambulance drivers are often reluctant to cross it, complicating efforts to transport sick patients or pregnant women to hospitals.

Several educational institutions including a college, a high school, a primary school and a women’s madrasa are located along this route.

As a result, a large number of students use the road every day, often crossing the bridge with fear.
Autorickshaw driver Suman Mia said drivers sometimes ask passengers to get off before attempting to cross.

“From afar, it looks normal,” he said. “New drivers often fail to realise the middle part is broken and end up in accidents.”

Residents including Hekmat Ali, Suman Bhuiya and Mosharraf Hossain said the road is an important route for people from Pachgachia,

Tulatoli, Bazar Khola, Hausdi, Paler Bazar, Nalchak and Mayergaon.

Many commuters traveling to Matlab in neighbouring Chandpur district also rely on the bridge. They warned that a major accident could occur at any time if urgent action is not taken.

Contacted for comment, Daudkandi Upazila Engineer Mohammad Zahidul Islam said the bridge had already been listed for reconstruction and a proposal would be submitted under a new development project.