Two workers die in a bridge collapse in the Dutch city of Lochem
In the Netherlands, tragedy struck as two workers lost their lives following the collapse of a section of an under-construction bridge in Lochem.
The fatal incident occurred when cables snapped on a bridge arch being lifted into position, causing it to plummet to the ground. Two additional individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.
Authorities characterized the bridge collapse as an “industrial accident” and confirmed that an investigation into its cause is underway.
The deceased workers hailed from Belgium and Poland, according to Dutch broadcaster NOS, although specific details such as their identities and ages were not disclosed.
Scores of onlookers witnessed the moment when the bridge section was being maneuvered into place before the collapse occurred. Reports indicate that these witnesses are being provided with psychological support to cope with the traumatic event.
A witness recounted observing the arch swinging before hearing a loud and sudden noise.
The bridge was intended to span a major canal as part of a new ring road project in Lochem, situated in the eastern province of Gelderland.
Mayor Sebastiaan van ‘t Erve expressed profound shock over the incident, highlighting the extensive efforts that had gone into the road’s development over the past five years. He emphasized the abruptness of the tragedy, which claimed two lives and injured two others in a single day.
The mayor noted that the cause of the collapse remains unclear as investigations continue.
Local authorities confirmed that the injured individuals had been hospitalized and were expected to recover.
“What happened is that they were trying to lift the bridge. You can see the cables. The bridge started to twist. That part of the bridge fell down to the ground,” Andre Meilink from the regional safety authority told NOS.
