Piling work for high-rise building causes road collapse, gas disruption in Lakshmipur

A major road in Lakshmipur municipality's Shakhari Para collapsed early on Wednesday following piling work for a high-rise building by a construction company, leaving significant damage in its wake. 

The collapse also damaged two adjacent shops and a cemetery, with nearby buildings now at risk of further structural issues.

The incident, which occurred around 2am, disrupted a gas line, cutting off supply to over a thousand households and halting cooking activities.

Lakshmipur Municipality Engineer Zulfiqar Jewel inspected the site on Thursday morning. 

He said, "We had approved a seven-story building for the construction company Way Housing Private Limited, but we are unaware if they obtained permission for a 10-story structure. The piling work followed regulations, but the proximity of a pond allowed water to seep underground, leading to the road collapse."

He added that the damage to the road and drainage system amounts to approximately Tk10 lakh. 

"Construction work has been halted, and the road has been closed to traffic. Compensation and repair work must be completed before construction resumes."

According to locals and eyewitnesses, the pond located behind the damaged shops significantly worsened the situation. The company had excavated about 30 feet deep using heavy machinery, which led to the formation of an underground water layer that seeped into the construction site.

"The piling caused soil movement, leading to the collapse of my two shops. I've suffered losses of at least Tk15 lakh," said Shahin Kadir Ripon, one of the shop owners.

Another resident, Shamsul Alam, said, "The piling caused the road to sink and damaged nearby shops. My building is now at risk."

SM Zahidul Islam, manager (Sales) of Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company Limited's Lakshmipur office, said, "We had to shut off the gas connection due to a fire hazard. A team from Cumilla will arrive on Sunday to resolve the issue, and the supply will be restored once repairs are completed."

Way Housing's Assistant General Manager Hasan Ahmed said, "We have been working according to regulations, but this was an unexpected incident. Our plan is to construct a 10-story building, though we currently have approval for seven stories. For now, we will proceed with the seven-story plan."

He assured compensation for the affected shop owners and repairs to the road, stating that preliminary measures, such as soil filling, have been taken to prevent further damage.