Death toll from bridge collapse in Jamalpur rises to five

The death toll from the collapse of a floating bridge in Dewanganj upazila of Jamalpur has risen to five after another child died after falling into the Brahmaputra River.

The tragic accident, which occurred on Eid day, has cast a pall of mourning over the area.

The incident took place around 4:00pm on Saturday on a floating bridge built over the Brahmaputra River in front of Dewanganj Police Station.

The deceased were identified as Mayamoni, 10, daughter of Zainal Mia from Dakatia Para village; Abdul Motaleb, 6, and his sister Khadija, 12, children of Sher Ali from Jhalurchar area; Abir Hossain, 14, son of Habibullah from Beltoli area; and Hafez Mihad, 16, son of Zainal from Balu village.

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Four children die as bridge collapses into Brahmaputra River

According to local sources, a large number of people gathered on the floating bridge to celebrate Eid. Unable to withstand the excessive pressure, the structure collapsed, causing many people to fall into the river. While most managed to swim to safety, several children went missing.

Fire Service personnel rushed to the scene and began rescue operations. By around 9:30pm, the bodies of the five missing children were recovered.

A local tea stall owner, Mokbul Mia, said the bridge had been in a risky condition for nearly a year and collapsed due to the excessive crowd.

Rafiqul Islam, uncle of deceased Hafez Mihad, said his nephew was a madrasa student who had come to visit during the Eid holidays. He blamed the poor condition of the bridge for the tragedy.

Member of Parliament for the Dewanganj-Bakshiganj constituency, M Rashiduzzaman Millat, visited the site and said assistance would be provided to the affected families. He also announced plans to construct a permanent bridge at the location.

Senior Station Officer of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence in Jamalpur, Sheikh Rabiul Islam Akand, confirmed that the bodies of all five missing victims had been recovered and that no one else remained missing.