Bridge collapses, 12 missing
2004-06-29 09:56
Bogota - A bridge in northeastern Colombia collapsed on Monday under the onslaught of a swollen river, killing two people and leaving another 12 missing, International Red Cross officials said.
The bridge over the Banadia river linked the townships of Tame and Saravena in Arauca department, bordering Venezuela. It was closed to traffic weeks ago because the rainy season had swollen the river to dangerous levels, but people were still allowed to cross it on foot, local officials said.
"At the time of the collapse, some 15 or 16 people were walking on the bridge," regional Red Cross director Cesar Zapata said on Monday.
"Two people were killed, one was injured, and around twelve others are reported missing," he added.