Four children die as bridge collapses into Brahmaputra River

Bangla Press Desk:   Four children were killed and one remained missing after a floating bridge collapsed in Dewanganj upazila of Jamalpur on Saturday.

Identities of the deceased could not be known immediately.More than 100 people fell into the Brahmaputra River after the bridge, constructed with bamboo and plastic drums, collapsed in the afternoon while they were out enjoying Eid-ul-Fitr.

According to local sources, the bridge and its surrounding areas attract large crowds every year during Eid. This year was no exception, as a large number of people gathered there this afternoon. 

Since the bridge had long been in a risky condition, it collapsed under excessive pressure.

Many people managed to swim ashore, while several children were swept away by the current. Four children died on the spot.

Locals and fire service personnel launched a rescue operation soon after the incident.

Confirming the news of casualties, Dewanganj Fire Service and Civil Defence official Mubin Khan said rescue efforts were underway to locate the missing person.Source: daily Sun

BP/SP