A bridge under construction collapsed in the eastern Netherlands on Wednesday, causing at least two deaths and two injuries, according to local authorities.
“There was an industrial accident while building a bridge. “Unfortunately, two people died and two others were injured,” the regional security authority said on the social network X. The accident occurred in the town of Lochem. “Part of a bridge under construction (…) has collapsed. Rescue workers are on site to free the trapped victims,” the authorities had said shortly before.
The causes of the collapse have not yet been clarified. According to authorities, an investigation has been launched. A journalist from the local newspaper De Stentor, who was present at the scene, stated that the workers They were erecting some arches on the bridge when the accident occurred.
Brug in aanleg ingestort in Lochem, three mensen zwaargewond 2102024 / Bridge under construction in Lochem collapsed, three people seriously injured (Netherlands) pic.twitter.com/6obtubTr2A
– John l (@Maeestro) February 21, 2024
“Suddenly there was a loud noise. The whole arch began to sway and then collapsed. We saw two workers fall,” he said.
The two people who were on a tower repairing the right portion of the arch were seriously injured in the collapse, weighing an estimated 160 tons. André Meilink, spokesman for the security region, confirmed that the two injured people were taken to hospital and although they are in critical condition, their lives are not in danger.
The body of one of the two deceased has not yet been recovered. A team from the Dutch Security Council is also on site to support the investigation.
dmr