Bailey bridge collapse in Kailashahar’s Kinairchar area left three injured, including two women and a truck driver. The 2008-built iron bridge connected Kailashahar to Srirampur but now isolates the village. Authorities promise a temporary bridge within 48 hours while residents demand long-term infrastructure solutions.
A major tragedy was narrowly averted on Tuesday afternoon when a bailey bridge in the Kinairchar area of Kailashahar collapsed as a heavily loaded truck was crossing it. The sudden collapse injured three people, including the truck driver and two women who happened to be on the bridge at the time. The accident has not only raised serious questions about the safety of local infrastructure but also disrupted daily life for the residents of Kinairchar, who now face significant travel challenges.
The iron bridge, constructed in 2008, was one of the most vital links connecting Kailashahar town with Ward No. 6 of Srirampur Village in Kinairchar. For nearly 17 years, the bridge served as a lifeline for residents, enabling them to access essential services, markets, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions in Kailashahar. Its sudden collapse has effectively isolated the area, forcing villagers to take a detour of more than four kilometers to reach the town.
The Incident
Eyewitnesses reported that the bridge gave way without warning as a goods-laden truck attempted to cross. The heavy vehicle plunged down with the collapsing structure, while a battery-operated auto-rickshaw approaching from the opposite side also toppled due to the sudden collapse. Local residents immediately rushed to rescue the victims. The three injured persons were transported to Unakoti District Hospital, where doctors confirmed that one individual remains in critical condition.
Hospital sources identified the injured as the truck driver and two women pedestrians who were on the bridge during the accident. The incident has triggered panic and concern among residents, many of whom had been using the bridge daily without suspecting any structural weakness.
Officials Visit the Site
The gravity of the situation prompted immediate responses from top officials and political leaders. Kailashahar MLA Birajit Sinha, Chairperson of Kailashahar Municipal Council Chapala Rani Debroy, Unakoti District Magistrate Tamal Majumder, Superintendent of Police Sudhambika R., and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bipul Das visited the site soon after the collapse.
Speaking to reporters, SDM Bipul Das clarified that while the road falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department (PWD), recent repair and maintenance work was being executed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) scheme. He assured residents that a temporary bridge would be installed within 48 hours to restore essential connectivity.
Possible Cause of Collapse
Preliminary observations by engineers point to a structural flaw in the original design. According to a PWD official, the bailey bridge—installed in 2008—lacked a central pillar, a key support feature that could have prevented such a catastrophic failure. Experts believe that years of wear and tear, combined with heavy vehicular load, may have weakened the bridge over time.
The absence of timely reinforcement or upgrading of the structure has now resulted in a disaster that many argue could have been avoided. Residents are demanding a thorough investigation into the collapse, as well as stronger, more permanent infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Impact on Residents
For the residents of Kinairchar, the collapse has meant more than just inconvenience. The detour now required to reach Kailashahar town is not only time-consuming but also adds extra travel costs, affecting daily commuters, students, and traders. Emergency services too face delays, with ambulances and other vehicles forced to take longer routes.
Locals expressed frustration that despite repeated demands for infrastructure improvements, no significant upgrades were made to the bridge since its installation in 2008. Many villagers said they had noticed signs of deterioration but were reassured during periodic maintenance works.
Call for Long-Term Solutions
The incident has reignited debate over the safety of bailey bridges and temporary iron structures in rural and semi-urban areas of Tripura. Civic leaders and opposition voices are pressing for durable, concrete bridges that can withstand heavy traffic and serve communities for decades without posing safety risks.
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As authorities work to install a temporary bridge to restore access, residents are anxiously waiting for a permanent solution. The incident stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need to invest in reliable rural infrastructure, especially in regions where bridges and roads are lifelines for connectivity, trade, and essential services.
