In a tragic incident in Dewanganj Upazila of Jamalpur, a floating bridge over the Brahmaputra River collapsed on Saturday at around 5:00 pm, resulting in the drowning of four children. Two more children remain missing as rescue operations continue. The accident occurred near the Dewanganj police station, where a large crowd had gathered on the bridge.
The deceased children have been identified as:
| Name | Age | Area | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayamoni | 10 | Dakatia Para, daughter of Zainal Miah | Female |
| Abid | 14 | Beltal area | Male |
| Abdul Motaleb | 6 | Jhalurchar, son of Sher Ali | Male |
| Khadija | 12 | Jhalurchar area | Female |
The identities of the two missing children are yet to be confirmed.
According to local sources, the tragedy occurred during the Eid holiday celebrations, when many residents had gathered on the floating bridge over the Brahmaputra. The excessive weight caused the structure to collapse, plunging several people into the river. While some managed to swim to safety, five children went missing. The Dewanganj Fire Service immediately launched a rescue operation, aided by local residents, recovering the bodies of the four children.
A child named Shanti sustained injuries in the accident and is currently receiving treatment at Dewanganj Upazila Health Complex.
Mubin Khan, leader of the Dewanganj Fire Service, confirmed at 8:30 pm that four bodies had been recovered and that rescue efforts for the missing children were ongoing.
Officials and local authorities have warned about the risks associated with overcrowding on floating bridges and emphasised the need for stricter safety measures, particularly during festive periods when public gatherings are large. Residents are also being advised to supervise children closely near the river to prevent further accidents.
This devastating incident has cast a pall of grief over the community, with local authorities offering support to the affected families and promising to strengthen safety protocols on river crossings in the future. The rescue operation continues into the night, reflecting the urgency and scale of the effort to recover the missing children.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of public safety infrastructure, especially on temporary and floating structures, where excessive load and crowding can lead to catastrophic consequences.