Multiple injured in Netherlands bridge collapse

A bridge under construction over the Twentekanaal in Lochem, Netherlands, collapses, causing serious injuries to at least three people and trapping one in a crane basket

A tragic event unfolded in Lochem, the Netherlands, when a section of a bridge under construction collapsed on Wednesday, leaving at least three people seriously injured and one other with minor injuries.

The accident occurred during the assembly of a new bridge over the Twentekanaal, a significant construction project managed by Royal BAM Group.

Eyewitness Nieke Hoitink, a reporter from the Stentor, witnessed the harrowing scene. He said, “The arch had been suspended in the hoists all morning. Suddenly, there was a loud bang. The whole arch started to swing, and then the entire structure fell down. We saw two construction workers falling.”

The Dutch labor inspection reported that the bridge deck being hoisted fell on at least two victims. Currently, one person remains trapped in the basket of a crane.

In response to the accident, the province of Gelderland has set up a crisis team. A spokesperson for the province, which is the client for the bridge’s construction, referred to the event as “a terrible tragedy”. While the primary focus is on the victims, the province also faces the task of organizing traffic diversions and other logistical challenges.

The incident raises questions about the safety of the construction, especially considering that strong winds prevented the bridge from reaching its highest point earlier in the day. While rain does not hinder the hoisting and welding of bridge parts, strong winds do. Whether the wind played a role in the accident remains unclear.

Source: Newsroom