GB’s historic Danyore Bridge damaged in fire

GILGIT: A fire engulfed Danyore Bridge, which is considered one of the earliest suspension bridges of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), causing substantial damage to its lower structure. The cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained.

The blaze, which broke out around 10pm on Sunday, took more than two hours to bring under control, with volunteers and Rescue-1122 teams working tirelessly. The fire also burnt the electrical wires across the bridge.

A rescue official told The News on Monday that rescue teams soon after receiving information of the fire, immediately reached the site with fire tenders and began fire-fighting operation. He added additional firefighting vehicles joined from Hunza-Nagar, and more than 25 rescue personnel managed to contain the fire after nearly two hours of effort.

Initial assessments suggest that around 30 percent of the bridge sustained damage. DIG Police Mirza Hasan, who visited the site, said the bridge remains structurally intact from the top; however, about 40 percent of the lower portion has been damaged. “Electrical wires running across the bridge from both sides have burned,” he told The News.

He added that the authorities are investigating all potential causes of the fire and that possibility of sabotage can also not be ruled out. Spanning 510 feet in length and 8 feet in width, the bridge, also known as Bireno Bridge, connects a 10-metre curved tunnel, an engineering marvel in the region.

Built between 1957 and 1960 by “Thakedar Bereno”, a self-taught local engineer, the bridge served as an important passage for trade and travel. Recognising its cultural and tourism significance, the then-chief minister GB, Hafeezur Rehman, had initiated a major restoration project in 2017. The initiative involved the modernisation of access roads and aesthetic improvements to enhance the visitor experience.

Speaking to The News, Hafeezur Rehman emphasised the bridge’s heritage value, stating: “This bridge is an integral part of Gilgit-Baltistan’s cultural history. We must preserve it, as it holds immense potential for tourism development.” Though the bridge is now closed to vehicles, it remains a vital pedestrian route for university students and has emerged as a popular tourist destination.