Bridge collapse in Colombia: 2 fatalities, 15 people injured

Authorities in Colombia are investigating the reason behind a bridge collapse in the western part of the country that killed two police officers. Four trucks fell into the void during the incident, resulting in the death of two uniformed officers and injuring fifteen individuals. The bridge was built in 1984 and had been regularly inspected.

The National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) has not ruled out the possibility of the collapse being intentional. The ANI had recently examined the bridge and found no evidence of human interference that might suggest a potential collapse. As a result, there is speculation of a sudden failure, according to ANI's director, William Camargo. According to local media, its last inspection was carried out only three months ago, reporting no concerns over its operation and capacity.

Camargo stated that they are investigating whether the collapse was due to the progressive deterioration of the structure because of continued overhead heavy loads or a maintenance failure. Additionally, they are examining the possibility of some small structural components being tampered with, affecting the bridge's stability by those who intend to cause harm.

Left-wing President Gustavo Petro expressed condolences to the victims' families and ordered an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and identify those responsible. The Mayor of Caicedonia, Carlos Alberto Orozco, stated that the incident affects trade between the country's centre and Buenaventura, the main port on the Pacific.

Pictures of the El Alambrado bridge went viral on social media, and eyewitnesses reported damaged vehicles and trucks that fell into the La Vieja River after the incident on Wednesday.