Tragedy struck in the Netherlands on Wednesday as a bridge under construction collapsed, resulting in at least two fatalities and two injuries, according to Dutch officials.
The regional safety authority conveyed the unfortunate news on X, formerly Twitter, stating, “An industrial accident occurred while building a bridge, resulting in two fatalities. Two people are injured.”
Initially, the authority reported four injuries, three of which were serious. However, it remains unclear whether the deceased were among the initially injured.
According to a reporter from local newspaper De Stentor, who was at the scene, the accident transpired while workmen were hoisting bridge arches. “Suddenly there was a huge bang,” the reporter recounted. “The entire arch started to swing. Then the whole thing fell. We saw two construction workers fall.”
Parts of the bridge reportedly fell on at least two individuals, as per information from the Dutch labour inspectorate cited by local news agency ANP.
Images circulated on Dutch media depicted rescue helicopters hovering above and emergency vehicles rushing to the scene. Max Schurink, project manager of the Gelderland province where the building site is situated, expressed profound shock at witnessing the accident firsthand. “I am seriously concerned for the colleagues who are on site,” Schurink expressed to De Stentor.
Approximately 40 co-workers who witnessed the accident are being offered psychological support during this challenging time. While conditions around the site were reported to be in order, Schurink urged against speculation regarding the cause of the accident, emphasizing the paramount importance of supporting those affected. “Concern now goes out to the employees affected by this accident. It’s dramatic enough,” Schurink concluded.
