A major transportation crisis unfolded in Bihar's Araria district when a crucial pillar supporting an under-construction bridge gave way, bringing traffic to a grinding halt and sparking urgent safety concerns.
The incident occurred along the vital National Highway 57, where the collapsing pillar caused significant structural damage to the bridge that connects multiple districts. Local authorities immediately cordoned off the area, diverting all vehicular movement to alternative routes.
Immediate Impact and Response
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud crashing sound as the pillar collapsed, creating chaos among commuters and local residents. The bridge, being constructed under the National Highway Development Authority (NHDA), was at a critical stage of completion when the failure occurred.
Local administration officials rushed to the spot to assess the situation. Traffic on both sides of the bridge has been completely suspended, affecting hundreds of vehicles including commercial trucks, buses, and private vehicles.
Safety Investigations Underway
Engineering teams have been deployed to investigate the cause of the collapse. Preliminary assessments suggest possible structural weaknesses or foundation issues might be responsible for the catastrophic failure.
"This is not just an inconvenience but a serious safety alert," said a district official who preferred anonymity. "We need to thoroughly examine why this happened and ensure such incidents don't recur in future infrastructure projects."
Commuters Face Major Hassles
The collapse has created massive disruptions for daily commuters and commercial transport operators. Alternative routes are experiencing unprecedented congestion, with travel times increasing significantly.
Local businesses dependent on smooth transportation are also feeling the impact, with delays in goods movement affecting supply chains across the region.
Authorities have assured that restoration work will begin immediately after completing safety assessments, though no timeline has been provided for when normal traffic might resume.
