Iron Bridge Collapses in Longtharai Valley, Concrete-Laden Tipper Plunges 30 Feet, Driver Narrowly Escapes Death
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, November 15, 2026
A major accident was narrowly averted in Longtharai Valley after an iron bridge collapsed while a concrete-laden tipper truck was crossing it, sending the heavy vehicle plunging approximately 30 feet into the area below. The driver miraculously escaped with his life, although the incident has raised serious concerns over bridge safety, overloading of vehicles and the maintenance of public infrastructure in the region.
According to local sources, the incident occurred when the tipper, carrying a load of concrete, was travelling from Lalchhara towards Laban Chhara. As the vehicle was crossing the iron bridge, a section of the structure suddenly gave way with a loud noise. The bridge collapsed midway, causing the tipper along with its driver to fall approximately 30 feet below.
Fortunately, the driver survived the frightening accident. His narrow escape has brought considerable relief to local residents, who expressed concern over the potentially fatal consequences of the bridge collapse.
Meanwhile, questions have been raised over the weight restrictions imposed on the bridge and the alleged movement of overloaded vehicles. According to available information, the bridge has a prescribed maximum load-bearing capacity of eight tonnes. However, allegations have surfaced that vehicles carrying loads beyond the permitted limit were regularly using the bridge.
The maintenance responsibility of the bridge reportedly rests with the Manu Public Works Department (PWD). The incident has therefore raised questions about whether adequate inspections and maintenance measures were being undertaken to ensure the structural safety of the bridge.
The collapse has triggered panic and concern among residents of the surrounding areas. With a portion of the bridge destroyed, vehicular movement along the Lalchhara–Laban Chhara road has also been disrupted, causing inconvenience to commuters and local residents.
The circumstances leading to the collapse remain unclear. An investigation into the structural condition of the bridge, the actual weight of the tipper and possible violations of the prescribed load restrictions would be necessary to establish the exact cause of the accident.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for regular safety inspections of bridges in remote areas of Tripura, particularly those used by heavy vehicles. Residents are also concerned about the safety of other ageing bridges in the region and have called for immediate attention from the concerned authorities to prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
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