Horror as bridge collapses in Netherlands leaving two dead
Dutch officials have said the accident occurred on a bridge that was "under construction".
A horror bridge collapse in the Netherlands has left two dead and another two injured.
A bridge being built over a canal in Lochem, The Hague, partially collapsed on Wednesday as workers attempted to move a large metal arch into place.
Nieke Hoitink, a journalist with De Stentor, a regional publication, reported that the arch was hanging from a crane when the incident occurred.
She said she heard a "huge bang" and the "entire arch began to sway" before it fell, taking down two construction workers.
The regional labour inspectorate said the arch landed on at least two people, and another was pinned in the bucket of a crane.
Veiligheidsregio Noord-en Oost-Gelderland (VNOG), which organises local first responders, reported the incident via X, formerly known as Twitter, stating the fall “resulted in two fatalities".
The organisation said: "Two people are injured. Our first thoughts go out to the loved ones of the victims.”
VNOG further reported that one of the two fatalities at Lochem is yet to be recovered by first responders, but specialists are drawing plans on how to reach the body.
Assembly of the bridge had begun earlier today, according to another local reporter, Steven Bakker, and the arch had been hanging on its hoists "all morning", Ms Hoitink said.
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Mr Bakker said: "Two trauma helicopters and Fire Service Technical Assistance called in. Assembly of the bridge began today."
Accidents of this kind are rare in The Netherlands, where the construction industry is strictly regulated, and today's events left project manager Max Schurinkn "enormously shocked".
Mr Schurinkn, who witnessed the arch fall, said: "I am seriously concerned for the colleagues who are on site."
Between 35 and 40 people were said to be in attendance at the time of the incident, and investigations are ongoing to identify its cause.
Mr Schurinkn urged people not to speculate about the incident, adding: "Let's not speculate about the cause.
"Concern now goes out to the employees affected by this accident. It's dramatic enough."