Two Days After Repairs, Overloaded Truck Breaks Rangamati Bailey Bridge

A Bailey bridge on the Kaukhali–Ranihaat road in Rangamati has collapsed under the weight of a truck loaded with bricks, just two days after its deck was repaired, disrupting direct road communication between Kaukhali upazila and the districts of Rangamati and Chattogram.

The incident occurred at around 9.30am on Thursday when the heavily loaded truck crossed the bridge. A section of the bridge deck gave way under the pressure, leaving the vehicle stranded at the site. The collapse has brought traffic on the important route to a halt, causing inconvenience to local residents, transport operators and people travelling between the area and neighbouring districts.

The latest incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety and durability of the ageing Bailey bridge. The structure had suffered a similar failure only last Saturday, when part of its deck was damaged. The Roads and Highways Department subsequently carried out repair work, and vehicular movement resumed on Tuesday. Within just two days of reopening, however, the bridge was damaged again.

Local residents have alleged that the repeated accidents are largely linked to the movement of heavily loaded brick trucks from several areas in neighbouring Rangunia upazila, including Segunbagan, Bahartala, Betachhari and Tripura Dighi. According to them, trucks carrying large quantities of bricks regularly use the route despite restrictions on heavy vehicles, placing excessive pressure on the already vulnerable structure.

There is reportedly a restriction on vehicles weighing more than five tonnes using the bridge. Residents have alleged that some transport operators and drivers are ignoring the restriction, increasing the risk of structural damage and accidents.

The Executive Engineer of the Rangamati Roads and Highways Department, Sabuj Chakma, said the Bailey bridge was old and considered vulnerable, which was why restrictions had been imposed on vehicles carrying more than five tonnes of goods. Warning signs have also been installed near the bridge to alert drivers about the weight limit.

According to the official, repeated incidents of this nature are occurring because drivers are continuing to use the bridge with vehicles carrying loads beyond the permitted limit. The department is working to repair the damaged section as quickly as possible and restore normal traffic movement.

The disruption is particularly significant for residents of Kaukhali, who rely on the road for regular travel, transportation of goods and access to services in Rangamati and Chattogram. The latest collapse has also renewed calls from local communities for stricter enforcement of the weight restriction and a more durable solution to the recurring problem.

As the truck remains trapped on the damaged bridge, authorities now face the immediate challenge of removing the vehicle safely, repairing the structure and reopening the route. The repeated failure of the bridge within days of repair has also highlighted concerns over whether temporary repairs are sufficient to ensure safe and uninterrupted traffic on the route.