Bridge collapse in Bali kills nine, injures dozens

AN Australian tourist has told of her concerns for a bridge in Bali that collapsed overnight, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens more.

Perth tourist Emily de Vries on the suspension bridge three weeks ago. Picture: Emily de Vries

AN Australian tourist has told of her concerns for a bridge in Bali that collapsed overnight, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens more.

The structure connecting two small islands collapsed, sending motorbikes flying into the water and leaving many dead and at least 30 injured, an official said.

The suspension bridge linking Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, two small islands popular with tourists southeast of Indonesian holiday hotspot Bali, collapsed at 6.30pm Sunday (9.30pm Sunday AEDT), said the disaster agency.

Emily de Vries and her friend Jenifer Johnston, both from Perth, travelled together to Bali three weeks ago and crossed the bridge a number of times.

Perth tourist Emily de Vries on the suspension bridge three weeks ago. Picture: Emily de Vries

“Our accommodation was just a short walk from the bridge, so we crossed it a couple of times to visit the neighbouring island. Once by foot, and the other on the back of two scooters”, de Vries told News Corp Australia.

“There was a sign as you stepped onto the bridge, warning people to be careful while crossing it. I can’t remember exactly what it said, but it definitely stressed a limit of how many pedestrians or motorbikes could cross it at any one time.

“I’m pretty certain it said no more than two scooters, It had such a dodgy feel to it.”

Perth tourist Jenifer Johnston on the suspension bridge. Picture: Emily de Vries

The bridge was close to where the pair were staying. Picture: Emily de Vries

“It felt pretty rickety and certainly swayed a fair bit as we walked over it. We were the only two people crossing it at the time, so that was only reason I felt semi-comfortable about it.

“I joked to my friend about how unstable the planks of wood felt.

“It definitely looked as though it needed a bit of maintenance but then, many things look old and weathered in areas like that,” she said.

Locals can be seen crossing the ‘Yellow Bridge’ on motorbikes. Picture: Facebook/Shanty Kurma Kurmi

Korban yg jatuh ke laut segera dievakuasi oleh warga sekitar jembatan Lembongan Klungkung. Laut saat surut. @jokowi @BNPB_Indonesia @Pak_JK pic.twitter.com/TOmBXaUqod

— Sutopo Purwo Nugroho (@Sutopo_BNPB) October 16, 2016

National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said eight of the victims who died have been identified. They include three children aged from three to nine.

Nugroho said eight Indonesians died and 30 people were injured, including two who were seriously injured. Those wounded were taken to health centres.

The victims were all locals and no foreigners were involved, he said.

Residents gather near the ‘Yellow Bridge’ for a religious celebration in July. Picture: Facebook/Mayeri Yoshinda

Hingga pukul 21 Wita evakuasi dihentikan dan dilanjutkan besok pagi. 8 tewas dan 30 luka akibat jembatan Lembongan runtuh @jokowi @detikcom pic.twitter.com/zlr4sFTX4j

— Sutopo Purwo Nugroho (@Sutopo_BNPB) October 16, 2016

The narrow bridge, called the Yellow Bridge, can only be crossed by motorbikes and pedestrians, and was particularly busy at the time of the accident because people had been taking part in a Hindu ceremony at a nearby temple.

“Before the bridge collapsed it was already shaking,” said Nugroho. “Some motorcyclists and people fell into the sea, and people in the area immediately tried to save them.”

Police officer Arendra Wahyudi said the sea beneath the bridge was less than two metres deep, but many of the victims were crushed by debris.

Dari 8 korban tewas 3 org adalah anak-anak yang jatuh akibat jembatan Lembongan runtuh pada 16/0/2016, 18.30 Wita @jokowi @Pak_JK @detikcom pic.twitter.com/LtCEVLmNdV

— Sutopo Purwo Nugroho (@Sutopo_BNPB) October 16, 2016

Jembatan yang menghubungkan Nusa Lembongan dan Nusa Ceningan inilah yang runtuh 16/10/2016 @jokowi @Pak_JK @BNPB_Indonesia @detikcom pic.twitter.com/AH0b0Z4VSr

— Sutopo Purwo Nugroho (@Sutopo_BNPB) October 16, 2016

Officials suspect it collapsed because it was overloaded, he added. Pictures showed the suspension bridge slumped in shallow water between the two islands.

Local people had not reported anyone else missing but search and rescue teams would continue to scour the area early on Monday, he added.

Bali, a pocket of Hinduism in Muslim-majority Indonesia, is famed for its palm-fringed beaches and attracts millions of tourists every year.