Footbridge collapses in Cachar’s Borkhola, villagers jump into river to save themselves

A footbridge over the Harangi River collapsed in Assam’s Cachar district late Sunday night (April 26), forcing several people crossing it to jump into the river to save their lives.

The incident took place in Borkhola, where the bridge connected the Rangar area with Bhangarpar. According to local sources, several residents were using the bridge when it suddenly gave way amid continuous rainfall over the past few days. People on the bridge reportedly leapt into the river in panic to escape the collapse. No casualties had been officially reported at the time of filing this report.

Residents said the bridge had been in a severely damaged condition for a long time. With no alternative route available, people from nearby villages had been compelled to use the risky structure every day for commuting.

Locals alleged that despite repeated complaints to the concerned department regarding the poor condition of the bridge, no preventive action was taken. Many blamed administrative negligence for the accident.

The collapse has now cut off connectivity for nearly 5,000 residents of Rangar village. Schoolchildren, patients and daily commuters are among those facing severe hardship following the incident.

Villagers have demanded immediate temporary arrangements for movement and the urgent construction of a new bridge. Authorities were yet to issue an official statement on the matter.