Bus Crash Damages Padma Bridge Railing Prompting Repairs and Investigation into Excessive Speeding
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A passenger bus crashed into the protective railings of the Padma Bridge on Monday, damaging approximately 50 meters of the structure near the Mawa end. Authorities estimate that repairs will take up to one week and cost between 150,000 and 200,000 taka.
The accident occurred at approximately 1:15 p.m. when a New Green Line Express bus traveling from Magura to Dhaka lost control while descending the ramp at the Mawa end of the bridge. CCTV footage indicates the driver was speeding while attempting to overtake another vehicle. The bus swerved before sliding and colliding with railings on both sides of the bridge, eventually overturning on the ramp.
Abu Sayad, an executive engineer for the Padma Bridge, stated that while the west-side railing remained largely intact, the east-side barrier sustained significant damage. He noted that the bridge structure avoided major systemic harm and confirmed that road markings from the crash are minor.
Srinagar Fire Station dispatched two rescue teams to the scene at 1:37 p.m. Rescuers evacuated eight injured passengers from the bus and transported them to the Srinagar Upazila Health Complex for treatment. Traffic on the bridge was halted for approximately 10 minutes following the collision. Authorities, including fire service personnel and bridge security, cleared the wreckage by 2:30 p.m., at which point traffic flow was restored.
The bus is currently held at the Padma North Police Station, where legal proceedings are pending. Engineer Sayad highlighted that the bridge is monitored by 16 artificial intelligence-integrated cameras positioned every 400 meters. Although the posted speed limit on the bridge is 80 kilometers per hour, officials observed that vehicles involved in the incident were traveling at speeds between 120 and 130 kilometers per hour.
Bridge authorities maintain two patrol teams on site to provide emergency assistance, including minor repairs and first aid, but compliance with speed regulations remains a persistent issue among motorists.
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