China: new multi-million-dollar bridge collapses in Harbin, killing 3 (VIDEO)

GlobalPost

A newly-constructed bridge's ramp collapsed in northeast China early today, killing three people and injuring five, according to China's Xinhau.

More from GlobalPost: South China Sea conflict generates uncertainty and insecurity

The accident, which Xinhau said sent four trucks hurtling some 30 meters to the ground, brings to six the number bridge failures in China in little over a year. The cause of the ramp failure on the Yangmingtan Bridge in Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, was not immediately clear but is under investigation. 

An unverified video posted by China-watching blog Beijing Cream alleges to show the accident take place: 

According to Beijing Creme, the exchange on the video is as follows: First voice: "Who said you could film?” Second voice: “I can’t film?” First voice: “You’re not allowed.” Second voice: “Who doesn’t allow?” First voice: “Where are you from?” Second voice: “Why do you care? Who doesn’t allow filming?” First voice: “We don’t allow.” Second voice: “You don’t allow? Why isn’t it allowed? Why don’t you allow, might I ask?”

The camera’s lens is then obscured. Liu Guodong, who was hurt in the accident, told Xinhua: "I was dozing off in the truck when suddenly the truck rolled to the ground. It was so terrifying."

Three of the five hurt are being treated for serious injuries, said Xinhua

The incident followed a train accident late Thursday in Jiamusi, also located in the northern Heilongjiang province, said The Guardian

The nine-and-a-half-mile Yangmingtan bridge opened in November and crosses the Songhua river, said BBC. The project cost some $286 million, BBC cited Xinhua as saying

Will you support The World? 

The story you just read is accessible and free to all because thousands of listeners and readers contribute to our nonprofit newsroom. We go deep to bring you the human-centered international reporting that you know you can trust. To do this work and to do it well, we rely on the support of our listeners. If you appreciated our coverage this year, if there was a story that made you pause or a song that moved you, would you consider making a gift to sustain our work through 2024 and beyond?