Karachi bridge poses collapse risk

Karachi bridge poses collapse risk

A badly damaged pedestrian bridge on Mauripur Road has become a major safety concern for commuters after a heavy vehicle struck one of its central pillars five days ago, leaving the already-deteriorated structure in a potentially dangerous condition.

Residents said the collision severely damaged the pillar and may have weakened the bridge’s overall foundation. Despite the passage of several days, they said authorities have yet to begin repair work or take adequate safety measures to protect pedestrians.

The bridge stands along one of Karachi’s busiest commercial routes, where trucks, trailers and other heavy vehicles travel throughout the day and night while carrying goods to and from Karachi Port.

Thousands of residents from Macher Colony and Lyari rely on the pedestrian bridge to cross Mauripur Road. With no convenient and safe alternative available, people continue to use the damaged structure despite growing concerns about its stability.

Residents said the bridge was already in poor condition before the recent accident. Several portions of its staircase and walking surface had broken or deteriorated over time, they said, while the collision has now added further structural concerns.

Commuters claimed that the bridge visibly shakes when people walk across it and appears to have tilted to one side. The condition has created widespread fear among pedestrians, particularly during busy hours.

“People are forced to recite the Kalma while crossing the bridge because they fear it could collapse at any moment,” residents said.

Residents criticised the relevant authorities for failing to respond promptly despite the apparent danger. They said crossing Mauripur Road at ground level poses an even greater risk because of the constant movement of heavy vehicles and fast-moving traffic.

They have urged the Karachi mayor and other relevant authorities to immediately close the bridge if it is unsafe and conduct a detailed technical inspection. They called for urgent restoration of the damaged pillar and other weakened components before allowing pedestrians to use the structure again.

Residents also demanded that authorities provide a safe alternative crossing for pedestrians while repair work continues. They warned that delaying action could turn the damaged bridge into the site of a major accident.