What was meant to be a festive inauguration in Indonesia turned into a frightening scene when a suspension bridge gave way, sending residents and officials into the river below.
Local crowds had gathered on August 30 for the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the Pongpet Suspension Bridge in Pangandaran Regency, West Java.
The wooden suspension bridge, measuring about 196 feet in length and hanging roughly 10 feet above the river, collapsed as dozens of villagers made their way across it. A rope suddenly snapped, and the structure buckled under the weight of those celebrating the new crossing.
Witnesses could be heard screaming as people on the bridge reportedly grabbed onto parts of the failing structure in a desperate attempt to avoid falling into the water.
The Indonesian Army said there were no deaths, though several residents sustained minor injuries and abrasions in the alarming collapse. Among those injured were Pangandaran Regent Citra Pitriyami and Public Works Department head Ling Ling Nugraha Senjaya.
According to the army’s information service, the bridge had been built to improve access and connectivity for residents of Margacinta Village, but it became overloaded during the ceremony, causing one of its load-bearing components to fail.
“The incident occurred after more than 50 people crossed simultaneously, exceeding the specified capacity, so that the sling rope on the left side of the bridge came loose from the main fastener and caused the bridge to tilt,” a spokesman said.
“The main structure of the bridge remains in place, while the part that is experiencing problems is the sling rope on the left side, which has come loose from the main fastening system.”
Before the inauguration of the new bridge, safety regulation warnings had been posted on a notice board by the Pangandaran 0625 Military District Command, which an Indonesian army representative said were ignored in the enthusiasm of the residents.
“The enthusiasm of the residents after the inauguration ceremony led to the disregard of these regulations.”
The hanging bridge has been closed for urgent repairs as officials investigate its structural strength and integrity.
