N340 footbridge collapses at Calahonda

Photo EFE



Image Source: MARI CARMEN JAIME / JOSELE-LANZA. 07/07/2008
Six people were hurt, two of them seriously, when part of a footbridge which goes over the N340 Motorway where it passes through Calypso, Calahonda collapsed this afternoon. The injured parties, one of whom is a child, have been taken to the Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella.

It looks as if the bridge could have collapsed as a result of a crane lorry having impacted with it as it passed underneath. When the upper part of the bridge fell, it hit a car travelling on the road at which point another car crashed into the back of the first one.

See photos of the seen here

The accident took place at Calypso km 198 of the N340 Motorway at 4:50 p.m. and traffic has not been able to move in either direction since. Sources at the Andalucía 112 emergency service have informed SUR that the fire services and police officers as well as their own personnel are all currently working to relieve the situation.

The accident led to 30 kms tail backs, and complaints that the only other alternative route, the toll AP7 continued to charge for some time before tolls were finally lifted. The road itself was cleared and opened again for traffic at 1130 pm last night, after being closed for some six hours.

Update 08-07-08: Two people are still in hospital with serious face, neck and abdominal injuries as a result of being crushed by the concrete. Another women was suffering from multiple bruising and a couple and their child were given the all clear.

Source: www.surinenglish.com

Visit Mijas Costa website

English Expat Forums

Google map photo of bridge here