GEORGE TOWN: An uncompleted flyover connecting to the
still-under-construction second Penang bridge at Batu Maung collapsed at
around 7pm Thursday, burying at least one car and a motorcycle under
the debris.
Police fear that four people are dead after one car, a white-coloured Perodua Kelisa was found buried under the rubble.
State
Fire and Rescue Department confirmed that one motorcyclist, who was
earlier trapped under the debris, has been pulled out. He suffered
injuries to his head.
Hundreds of firemen, volunteers and medical personnel from throughout the state have been mobilised to the scene.
Firemen
are removing debris to reach the cars and motorcycles under the rubble,
comprising mostly metal scaffolding and steel beams.
Bayan Baru
MP Sim Tze Tzin, who was on the scene, said about a 30m-long span of the
ramp was believed to have collapsed around 7pm, as work to install
concrete boulders to strengthen the structure was ongoing.
He said he was informed a few people may be trapped under the rubble.
State executive councillor Lim Hock Seng said the cause of the collapse had yet to be determined.
"We cannot confirm the cause of the accident," he said, adding that a full investigation would be carried out.
- The 24km-long bridge was set for completion next month.
- The longest bridge in South-East Asia and 20th in the world was supposed to go through road commissioning and testing in August before being officially opened in September.
Source: The Star
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