By New York Post (World News) | Created at 2026-09-02 14:25:32 | Updated at 2026-09-02 16:43:38
2 hours ago
A day of celebration turned terrifying when excited locals and officials in Indonesia plunged into the river below when the suspension bridge beneath them suddenly collapsed.
Crowds of locals watched on for the ribbon-cutting ceremony initiating the newly opened Pongpet Suspension Bridge in Pangandaran Regency, West Java, on August 30.
As dozens of villagers crossed the wooden bridge, stretching 196 feet long and hanging 10 feet from the river below, a rope suddenly snapped, collapsing under the weight of the celebrants.
Several onlookers were heard screaming as villagers were reportedly seen clinging to the collapsing structure to escape plunging into the river below.
The Indonesian Army reported no fatalities, but several locals suffered minor injuries and abrasions from the horrific incident, including the head of the Pangandaran Regent, Citra Pitriyami, and the Public Works Department, Ling Ling Nugraha Senjaya.
The bridge, built to improve connectivity for Margacinta Village locals, had become overloaded, which caused one of its load-bearing structures to suddenly break, according to the army’s information service.
“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.
