In a heartbreaking incident, the Nilbagan Dabaka bridge accident in Assam claimed the lives of three people and left one seriously injured early this morning. The crash occurred around 3:45 AM when a speeding SUV lost control and plunged off the narrow bridge near Dabaka town.
According to the local police, the vehicle was en route from Nagaon to Hojai when it attempted to overtake another vehicle on the bridge—a risky maneuver that led to the deadly plunge into the dry riverbed.
“This is a known accident-prone spot. Speed and poor visibility proved fatal again,” said Officer Ranjit Sarma of Dabaka Police.
What Happened at the Nilbagan Dabaka Bridge?
Timeline of the Crash
According to eyewitnesses and CCTV footage from nearby shops:
- The SUV crossed into Nilbagan around 3:40 AM
- It attempted to overtake a truck on the narrow bridge
- The car hit the side railing, flipped, and fell nearly 20 feet below
Local residents rushed to the scene, pulling the injured passenger from the wreckage before emergency services arrived.
“We heard a loud crash. By the time we ran over, three were already unconscious,” said Habibur Rahman, a nearby shopkeeper.
Casualty Report and Victim Identification
The deceased have been identified as:
- Samar Das, 34 (driver)
- Junaid Hussain, 28
- Manab Deka, 40
The lone survivor, Rafiq Ahmed, 26, is currently receiving treatment at Nagaon Civil Hospital and is said to be in critical but stable condition.
Locals Blame Poor Infrastructure and Speeding
Residents of Nilbagan and nearby areas have long demanded improvements to the aging bridge, which lacks proper lighting, reflective markings, or side barriers strong enough to stop vehicles from falling off.
“This bridge is an accident waiting to happen. How many more lives must we lose?” asked Salma Begum, a local schoolteacher.
According to Assam State Road Transport Corporation (ASRTC), the Dabaka-Nagaon stretch is one of the most accident-prone corridors in Hojai district, often due to reckless late-night driving and infrastructure issues.
Police Investigation Underway
Dabaka police have launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest:
- Speeding was the primary cause
- No signs of alcohol use were found, but tests are ongoing
- Brake failure or driver fatigue are also being considered
Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) and the District Commissioner’s office have visited the site to assess the structural integrity of the bridge.
Emergency Services Response and Local Heroism
The accident saw an impressive response from locals and first responders. Residents used ropes and bamboo poles to pull survivors from the wreckage before fire and rescue teams arrived.
“Had they waited even five more minutes, we might have lost all four,” said Officer Ranjit Sarma of Dabaka Police.
A Pattern of Negligence?
This is not the first time the Nilbagan Dabaka bridge has seen fatalities. In 2023 and 2024, two other serious accidents occurred at the same site, though not as deadly.
Locals Demand Action
Citizens and NGOs have now demanded:
- Immediate reinforcement of the bridge railings
- Installation of speed-breakers and night lights
- A permanent traffic post at the approach of the bridge
Nilbagan Dabaka Bridge Accident Is a Wake-Up Call
The Nilbagan Dabaka bridge accident is a painful reminder that unsafe roads claim more lives than crime in India every year. As grieving families bury their loved ones, it is up to local authorities and infrastructure agencies to ensure that this does not happen again.
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