THIS is the harrowing moment a suspension bridge in Indonesia buckled after “exceeding the weight limit” during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Footage shows the newly inaugurated structure in Margacinta, West Java suddenly collapsing as a cable snapped loose.

A crowd of people walking across the bridge

The moment the construction collapsed

Around 50 people were walking across the Pongpet Suspension Bridge as it tilted sideways on Sunday.

Panic broke out as several people fell, while others gripped the side to save their lives.

Local authorities confirmed no one was killed, but several people suffered minor injuries.

Public Works Department chief Ling Ling Nugraha Senjaya was among those hurt, suffering from abrasions.

The Indonesian Army (TNI AD), which helped build the bridge, later denied that the entire structure had collapsed.

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 anchor 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 undone.

People clutched to the sides of the bridge to prevent falling

Several people were injured in the incident

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 stressed that no more than three people were supposed to cross at a time.

“Residents’ enthusiasm following the inauguration ceremony meant that these requirements were not observed,” Pramono said.

Solihin, who was himself on the bridge when it gave way, said he felt the structure begin to sway from side to side moments earlier.

“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.

He recalled that the bridge then dropped beneath them, leaving him in a state of panic 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.

The bridge has since been closed while repair works are carried out.

Source: https://www.the-sun.com/news/16933178/bridge-collapses-opening-indonesia/