Taiwan continues Yilan bridge collapse rescue and recovery efforts

2019/10/03

Rescue and recovery efforts continue apace following the collapse of a bridge over Nanfangao Port Oct. 1 in Yilan County, northeastern Taiwan.
 
 As of 2 p.m., Oct. 2, four are confirmed dead, 10 injured and two missing. The truck driver and nine foreign nationals working as fisherman were taken to nearby hospitals.
 
 The 21-year-old, 140-meter-long span suffered massive structural failure around 9:30 a.m. as an oil truck approached its eastern exit. The debris plummeted 18 meters into the water, crushing three fishing boats docked underneath.
 
 President Tsai Ing-wen carried out an inspection of the site shortly after the collapse before visiting with the injured and family members. She also received a full briefing from emergency services officials.
 
 Tsai directed all relevant agencies to spare no effort in locating the missing and removing the remains of the bridge from the port so normal fishing operations can resume. In addition, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and Cabinet-level Council of Agriculture will offer assistance and compensation to the affected, according to the Presidential Office.
 
 The MOTC and port officials are set to carry out a comprehensive investigation to identify the cause of the collapse, the Presidential Office said, adding that all similarly aged bridges in Taiwan will undergo in-depth inspections to ensure public safety.

Source: Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)