Yilan bridge collapsesin northeast Taiwan
YILAN, TAIWAN — At around nine o'clock this morning, Taiwan's Nanfang'ao Bridge in Yilan, suddenly collapsed injuring more than 20 people.
According to Taiwan News, a fuel truck was almost done crossing the 140-meter long bridge when the entire structure collapsed and fell into the water, causing a fire and sending plumes of smoke into the air.
Witness said they heard a loud noise before seeing the bridge, which stands 18 meters above seawater, crumble.
Former town mayor and Yilan county councilor, Chi-Shan Lin told reporters during a press conference that officials believe excessive weight may have caused the collapse.
He added that maintenance on the Nanfang'ao Bridge is conducted every two years with previous results checking in as good.
At around 11 o'clock, ten individuals were rescued and sent to the Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Su'ao.
Citing the Yilan County Fire Bureau, Taiwan News reports that 10 fishermen have been rescued, six have suffered serious injuries, and four have sustained minor injuries.
Su'ao Township Mayor Lee Ming-che told the media that five fishermen are still believed to be trapped under the bridge.
According to Taiwan News, a fuel truck was almost done crossing the 140-meter long bridge when the entire structure collapsed and fell into the water, causing a fire and sending plumes of smoke into the air.
Witness said they heard a loud noise before seeing the bridge, which stands 18 meters above seawater, crumble.
Former town mayor and Yilan county councilor, Chi-Shan Lin told reporters during a press conference that officials believe excessive weight may have caused the collapse.
He added that maintenance on the Nanfang'ao Bridge is conducted every two years with previous results checking in as good.
At around 11 o'clock, ten individuals were rescued and sent to the Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Su'ao.
Citing the Yilan County Fire Bureau, Taiwan News reports that 10 fishermen have been rescued, six have suffered serious injuries, and four have sustained minor injuries.
Su'ao Township Mayor Lee Ming-che told the media that five fishermen are still believed to be trapped under the bridge.