Use of inferior construction materials main reason behind the accident

Staff Reporter:

The body of a mason, who was buried under the rubble after collapsing girders of an under construction bridge at the Economic Zone in Sirajganj, was finally recovered by the police and fire fighters after an endless efforts.

The deceased was identified as Zubair Hossain, son of Mahmud Ali of Mirpur area in the town.

The accident took place on Tuesday at around 10:30 am, when the girder of an under construction bridge in the economic zone collapsed.

It is alleged that, the accident occurred due to the use of substandard construction materials.

However, none of the concerned contractors or officials of the economic zone make any comment so far in this regard.

But, the law enforcement agencies assured to conduct an investigation in this regard with a view to take legal action.

According to the police, three workers were working at the place when the girder collapsed.

At that time, two workers were trapped under the girder and another was seriously injured. Two injured were sent to the hospital after rescue, while the body of another person was sent to Sirajganj Sadar hospital morgue for autopsy after recover.

Deputy Assistant Director of Sirajganj Fire Service and Civil Defense Abdul Mannan confirmed the matter to The Daily Sky and said, “Three workers named Hafizul Islam, 24, Zahurul Islam, 50, and Zubair Hossain, 22, were working beneath the bridge.

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Hafizul Islam, a labourer, who narrowly escaped during the girder breach, told The Daily Sky, “We were working at a cross girder, which located in the middle of two girders. Suddenly the girders collapsed on us. At this time, I fortunately ran away, but two others could not come out. Hearing the screaming, locals came to us and started rescue operation. At one stage, they sent us to hospital for treatment. But, one of the workers died on the spot.”

Md. Hasibullah, Officer-in-Charge (Investigation) of Sirajganj Sadar Police Station said, “On information, a team of police was sent to the spot. They started salvage operation just after reaching the spot without any delay.”

Abdul Mannan, Deputy Assistant Director of Sirajganj Fire Service and Civil Defense Department said that, “A team of life saving fighters from the Fire Service and Civil Defense reached to the spot and started rescue operation after receiving the news of bridge collapse. We came to know that three workers had been working here. Of them, two have been rescued alive, while another was dead.”