The Harang Bridge located at Bhangarpar on the Kalain-Silchar road in Assam collapsed on Tuesday night. The incident led to two heavily loaded trucks plunging into the river below. Rescue and restoration efforts are currently underway. The Harang Bridge, a vital link connecting Assam to Meghalaya, had been in service for several decades. Preliminary investigations suggest that the collapse may have been due to structural weaknesses, possibly exacerbated by overloading.
Authorities have initiated a probe to ascertain the exact cause of the incident. The collapse has caused significant disruption to traffic on the Kalain-Silchar road, a crucial route for commuters and goods transportation. Alternative routes are being explored to alleviate the congestion, and temporary ferry services are being considered to maintain connectivity. Local authorities have appealed to the public to exercise caution and avoid the affected area to facilitate rescue operations. The incident underscores the urgent need for regular maintenance and inspection of critical infrastructure to prevent such occurrences.
In a related development, earlier this week, a bridge over the Indrayani River in Maharashtra’s Pune district collapsed, resulting in four fatalities and several injuries. The bridge had been declared unsafe but remained in use, raising concerns about the enforcement of safety regulations. The Maharashtra government has announced financial assistance for the victims’ families and is investigating the incident. These incidents highlight the pressing need for comprehensive audits of infrastructure across the country and prompt action to address potential hazards. Ensuring the safety and reliability of bridges and other critical structures is paramount to safeguarding public lives and maintaining economic stability.
As rescue operations continue in Assam, authorities are working diligently to restore normalcy and prevent further incidents. The public is urged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety advisories. The collapse of the Harang Bridge serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our infrastructure and the need for proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
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