Bandarban bridge collapses under Rohingya relief truck, killing nine


FE Team | Published: September 21, 2017 10:52:38 | Updated: October 25, 2017 05:24:27


Bridge collapses under Rohingya relief truck, killing nine

At least nine workers died and another five were injured after a bridge in Bandarban collapsed under a Red Cross truck carrying aid to a Rohingya camp.

 

The accident occurred near the BGB Chadkhala Border Post in Naikhongchhari Upazila around 8:00am, said Sadar Union Parishad Chairman Taslim Iqbal Chowdhury, reports bdnews24.

 

The truck was carrying relief to the temporary Rohingya camp at Naikhongchhari’s Shonkhola, he said.

 

“A bridge gave way as they were crossing it. Nine died on the spot.”

 

The wounded have been taken to Naikhongchhari Upazila Medical Complex for treatment, he said.

 

The truck was carrying food supplies for 500 families for 21 days, said Rayhan Sultana Toma, communication officer of International Committee of the Red Cross.

 

“The refuge is in a very remote area and one has to travel a few kilometres off-road. It takes many people to distribute aid there, so many workers were travelling on the truck.”

 

All of the victims were hired by a local contractor and none were employed by the Red Cross, Toma said.

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