The front crane (boom) of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority’s (BIWTA) salvage vessel “Nirbhik” collapsed on Wednesday morning due to technical faults while stationed in Kirtankhola River, Barishal.
The incident occurred around 9:30am at the ghat adjacent to Muktijoddha Park on Kirtankhola River.
According to sources, operations involving the crane were underway on Wednesday morning as part of a weekly drill and cleaning routine.
Just five seconds after starting work at 9:30am, the front section of the crane suddenly broke and collapsed due to mechanical and technical glitches.
Following the information, senior BIWTA officials rushed to the scene.
Authorities have already initiated recovery efforts to retrieve the damaged salvage vessel and the fallen crane.
To aid in the operation, another BIWTA rescue vessel, ‘Prattyay’, has departed from Narayanganj for Barishal.
No casualties have been reported immediately in the accident, while work is underway to ascertain the exact extent of the financial and structural damage, said Md Selim Mia, assistant director of Barishal Fire Service.
Mamun Khandakar, deputy commissioner of Barishal, inspected the spot and said that separate probe committees will be formed by the district administration and the BIWTA.
Further details will be disclosed once the investigation reports are submitted.
The salvage vessel ‘Nirbhik’, which has a lifting capacity of 250 metric tonnes, was brought to Barishal in 2013.
