A dilapidated bridge in Hub on Karachi-Quetta Highway can cause a human tragedy as the authorities have neither been able to take notice of it or repair the structure, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.

This bridge built on Hub River came into limelight on Friday after a video went viral on social media, showing the eroded foundations of the pillars. But still, the structure is being used by thousands of people daily, including trucks and trailers.

This bridge not only connects Karachi with Quetta, Khuzdar, Kalat, Chaman and other towns and cities but also the Gwadar port through the Coastal Highway.

As soon as the video first appeared on social media, people using Twitter gave a strong reaction and warned the government officials that it could lead to a disaster.

https://twitter.com/sikanderbizenjo/status/1301975604229701632

https://twitter.com/tribaljournlist/status/1302153402198028288

https://twitter.com/Nasir63050305/status/1302085163426279424

It is now revealed that the Lasbela deputy commissioner had warned the National Highway Authority (NHA) on March 4, 2020 about the situation through official correspondence.

However, the NHA Zonal Office in Khuzdar on Sept 4, 2020 wrote a letter to the head office in Islamabad, saying that either the existing bridge should be repaired or a new one is constructed.

https://twitter.com/hyzaidi/status/1302172708550193153 

The Hub town located in Lasbela district is the biggest industrial centre of Balochistan and enjoys great significance due to its proximity to the port and availability of skilled labour in Karachi.

Several big and famous industrial units – ranging from power production and cement plants to textile units and pharmaceutical companies – have been established in the area.