“The whole arch started to sway, then everything fell,” described a journalist present at the scene.
:quality(50)/2023/07/06/64a68815cd1a7_placeholder-36b69ec8.png)
Published
Update
Reading time: 1 min
:quality(50)/2024/02/21/043-491676108-65d5ec0a49920517272171.jpg)
Part of a bridge under construction collapsed in the east of the Netherlands, killing at least two people and injuring two, local authorities announced on Wednesday February 21. “An industrial accident occurred during the construction of a bridge. Unfortunately, two people died and two others were injured”, said the emergency services on the social network
“Part of a bridge under construction over the Goorseweg in Lochem has collapsed” And “Emergency services are on site to free trapped victims”, the authorities had declared shortly before. The causes of the collapse have not yet been determined and an investigation has been opened. A journalist from the regional daily Stentorianpresent on site, declared that workers were lifting arches of the bridge when the accident occurred. “Suddenly there was a huge noise. The whole arch started to rockshe said. Then everything fell apart. We saw two workers fall.”
The scene took place in front of numerous witnesses
According to the Dutch labor inspectorate, cited by the ANP news agency, parts of the bridge fell on at least two people. In images published by Dutch media, helicopters flew over the scene of the tragedy, where emergency service vehicles were arriving. Many employees witnessed the accident and are receiving psychological support. “Our first thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones”authorities said.
Many people curious to see the progress of the work also saw the accident occur because it was announced that the assembly of the bridge would begin on Wednesday. Some people had come specially to attend, according to the ANP. Max Schurink, project manager for the province of Gelderland where the site is located, said he saw the accident with his own eyes and was “extremely shocked”. According to him, working conditions on the site were in order. He called not to “speculate” on the reasons for the tragedy and to think first of the victims and the employees affected by the accident. “It’s already dramatic enough as it is.”
