Dhaka, Oct. 26 -- The repeated fall of bearing pads from Dhaka's metro line -- twice within five weeks -- has stirred widespread curiosity about what they are and how they function.

Some have even asked whether a rubber-made pad could cause death upon impact. The last incident occurred on Sept 18, halting metro operations but causing no casualties. This time, however, the fall proved fatal.

On Sunday, a pedestrian died after being hit by a bearing pad that fell from the Dhaka Metro Rail line in Farmgate.

Experts say these pads are much heavier than they appear. Used in bridges and flyovers to absorb vibration, elastomeric bearing pads are made from neoprene or natural rubber and are installed between the pier and viaduct joints. Some c...