GUWAHATI: A major tragedy was narrowly avoided in Bihar’s Bhagalpur after a portion of the Vikramshila Setu bridge gave way, thanks to swift action by the district administration.
Traffic has been suspended after a slab of the bridge near pillar 133 collapsed into the Ganga River in the early hours of Monday, May 4.
According to District Magistrate Nawal Kishor Choudhary, the incident unfolded around 12:35 AM when a slab of the bridge suddenly sank by nearly a foot. Alert police personnel immediately informed senior officials, following which the area was quickly cleared. At the time, several people had gathered on the bridge, many taking photographs and selfies. Fortunately, no vehicles were present on the affected slab.
Within minutes, the weakened section collapsed. Officials said the prompt response by the administration played a crucial role in preventing what could have been a major loss of life.
The 4.7-kilometre-long Vikramshila Setu, spanning the Ganga, is a vital link between Bhagalpur and Naugachia. Authorities have confirmed that no casualties were reported, and a detailed structural assessment is now underway.