Bridge collapse in Pirojpur (Bangladesh) cuts off key transport link

Road connectivity on the Charkhali–Mathbaria route was disrupted late last night after an iron bridge collapsed in Mathbaria upazila of Pirojpur. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. when a truck carrying rice was crossing the bridge located in front of Debipur Islamia Fazil Madrasah.

Mohammad Rasel, executive engineer of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) in Pirojpur, confirmed the collapse and said no injuries or fatalities were reported.

According to local residents, two trucks were travelling from Charkhali towards Mathbaria when the incident occurred. The first truck crossed the bridge safely, while the second became stranded after the structure gave way under its load. The vehicle remained stuck on the damaged bridge, forcing authorities to suspend traffic along the route.

The collapse has affected transportation between Mathbaria, Patharghata in Barguna, and major destinations including Dhaka, Khulna, and Barishal, causing difficulties for passengers and transport operators.

A new girder bridge is being constructed beside the collapsed structure, but it has not yet been opened to traffic. RHD officials have deployed workers to the site and are working to restore road communication as quickly as possible.

Rasel said efforts are underway to make the bridge operational again, but he could not provide a timeline for when normal traffic movement would resume.