A brand-new bridge collapsed in shocking scenes during its grand opening – with dozens of people sent crashing into the river below.
The 282ft suspension bridge gave way during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials and cheering residents on Sunday (19 April).
The Churina Bridge, in Bagadó, western Colombia, had been built to connect the town centre with the district of San Marino.
READ MORE: Tourist crushed by huge block of ice while exploring cave
But the big day turned into chaos.
Dramatic footage shows the packed bridge swaying wildly before cables appeared to snap.
Moments later, the structure gave way, sending crowds tumbling into the water and onto the rocky riverbanks below.
Terrified witnesses described “moments of total anguish” as people scrambled to rescue those trapped in the wreckage.
Among those on the bridge was Bagadó mayor Marinela Palomeque Serna.
She said: “It pains us greatly to know that many of those affected were children and one elderly person.
“I’m not an engineer, nor a construction foreman, nor do I know much about materials, but I do know that I’m demanding that they supply us with quality materials when it comes to construction projects.”
Miraculously, no one was killed, but eight people were injured in the collapse.
Most were treated at the scene for shock and minor injuries, while three were taken to a nearby medical centre.
They are understood to be in a stable condition.
The bridge had been a long-awaited project to improve access for the isolated San Marino community, as reported by Need To Know.
But serious questions are now being asked over safety checks and whether the structure was overloaded during the ceremony.
Initial reports suggest too many people crowded onto the bridge at once as celebrations got underway.
A council spokesperson said: “We are coordinating with the engineering team and the contractors to determine exactly what caused this structural failure.
“It is a miracle we are not mourning lives today, but we must have answers as to why a brand-new bridge could not withstand its first day of service.”
The area has now been sealed off as investigators examine the wreckage, while locals are once again forced to rely on risky traditional crossings.
READ MORE: Foolish driver gets tricked into street race before being flashed by speed camera
