Siwan, Bihar, India - June 22, 2024.

The sudden collapse of a bridge in northern India's Bihar, has caused widespread panic and alarm in the region.

The incident took place over the Gandak canal in Siwan city on June 22.

Visuals showed how the massive bridges collapsed and shattered like glass over the canal.

According to reports, a loud noise that could be heard as far as Ramgarh in the Darbhanga district. Fortunately, initial reports confirm that there were no casualties. The bridge was a crucial link, connecting the busy markets of Patedhi Bazar in Maharajganj district with Ramgarh Panchayat in Darbhanga, and was used by thousands of commuters daily.

Local residents have expressed outrage over what they perceive as negligence leading to the collapse. The bridge, built nearly 40 years ago during the development of the Gandak canal, had not received proper maintenance over the years despite its importance and age.

This incident in Siwan follows a similar event just days ago in Araria, where a newly constructed concrete bridge over the Bakra River disintegrated within seconds. Visuals from Araria show the bridge tilting dramatically to one side before collapsing into the fast-flowing river, as a crowd of onlookers captured the scene on their phones.

Both incidents have raised serious concerns about the state of infrastructure in the region, highlighting the urgent need for better maintenance and oversight.