A newly inaugurated suspension bridge gave way as around 50 people crossed it during its opening ceremony.
Shocking footage shows local leader Citra Pitriyami and other dignitaries standing on the bridge moments before part of the structure suddenly drops beneath them.
Several people can then be seen falling as panic breaks out on the Pongpet Suspension Bridge in Margacinta, Pangandaran, West Java, Indonesia.
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The drama unfolded shortly after the bridge was inaugurated on Sunday (30 August) afternoon.
There were no fatalities, although several people reportedly suffered minor injuries, as reported by Need To Know.
Public Works Department chief Ling Ling Nugraha Senjaya was among those hurt, suffering abrasions.
The Indonesian Army (TNI AD), which helped build the bridge, later denied that the entire structure had collapsed.
TNI AD Information Service Chief Brigadier General Donny Pramono said the main structure remained in place but a suspension cable on the left-hand side had detached from its main anchoring point.
He said: “What occurred was not a collapse or the complete failure of the bridge structure.”
Officials claimed around 50 people had crossed the bridge at the same time, exceeding its specified weight capacity and causing the cable to come loose and the structure to tilt.
The local military command had reportedly warned residents about limits on the number of people allowed on the bridge.
Margacinta Village Head Enceng Anwar Solihin said no more than three people were supposed to cross at a time.
Pramono said: “However, residents’ enthusiasm following the inauguration ceremony meant that these requirements were not observed.”
Solihin, who was himself on the bridge when it gave way, said he felt the structure begin swaying from side to side moments earlier.
He said: “The bridge had already started swaying, but it was swaying sideways. I even said to the Regent, ‘Ma’am, aren’t you scared?’”
He said the bridge then dropped beneath them, leaving him panicking as it plunged from a height of around 20 metres.
The 60-metre-long crossing provides an important link between several villages and is used by residents travelling to school, healthcare facilities and work.
It is also used to transport agricultural produce and timber.
Solihin said the original bridge dated back to around 1992 and had undergone several minor repairs over the years, including replacing its wooden decking with steel chequer plate.
He has now urged authorities to consider building a stronger, permanent replacement.
Solihin added: “I appeal to the relevant authorities to provide access so that the people of Margacinta can have a proper bridge.”
The bridge has been closed while repairs and a technical assessment are carried out.
Authorities are examining its structural strength, cable anchoring system and maximum capacity, while the precise cause of the failure remains under investigation.
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