Gopalpur: 17 Injured as Century-Old Banyan Tree Collapses, Fire Service Conducts Rescue Operation

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Gopalpur (Tangail) Correspondent: At least 17 people, including pedestrians and buyers-sellers at the weekly market, were injured when a century-old banyan tree suddenly collapsed at Shimla Bazar in Gopalpur upazila of Tangail. Around 15 shops were also damaged. The incident occurred on Thursday (31 July) around noon, during the busy weekly market day.

Eyewitnesses reported that a loud crashing sound created panic as the large banyan tree fell in the crowded market area. Several people were trapped under the tree. Two units from Gopalpur and Dhanbari Fire Service rushed to the scene and began rescue operations.

Some of the injured were admitted to Gopalpur Upazila Health Complex in critical condition, while others received primary treatment and were sent home.

Upon receiving news of the incident, Gopalpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Tuhin Hossain visited the scene. He stated, “This is a very unfortunate incident. With the help of the fire service, administration, and locals, the rescue operation was conducted promptly. Proper medical care has been arranged for the injured.”

Also present at the scene were Gopalpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golap Mukter Ashraf Uddin, Gopalpur Upazila BNP General Secretary Kazi Liaquat, BNP President of Nagda Shimla Union Sagar Mia, and members of the fire service from Gopalpur and Dhanbari.

Locals mentioned that the banyan tree had long been a symbol of the history and heritage of Shimla Bazar. However, the tree had become rotten inside, and many said it should have been removed earlier.

Since the incident, a shadow of grief and fear has fallen over the market area. The administration has assured that steps will be taken to regularly monitor and remove risky trees to prevent such accidents in the future.

Md. Nurul Islam, Station Leader of Gopalpur Fire Service, said, “The injured were sent to Gopalpur Upazila Health Complex, and we are working on removing the fallen tree.”