COLLAPSE OF BRIDGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22412, 7 May 1936, Page 10

COLLAPSE OF BRIDGE

MOTOR-TRUCK DAMAGED DRIVER ESCAPES INJURY [BY TELEGEAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] GISBORXE, "Wednesday The large bridge at Makarika collapsed last night, causing extensive damage to a six-wheeled motor-truck which was crossing at the time. The bridge was on the main road between Tokomaru Bay and Ruatoria, and Ruatoria was temporarily isolated from the districts to the south. The accident occurred when three empty trucks, after delivering sheep at Tokomaru Bay freezing works, were returning to Ruatoria. Two had crossed the bridge, and when the third, owned by Ward's Transport, Limited, was on it the structure, which is about 1J chains long, collapsed in the middle, sinking down to a V shape. At the same time the tall side structures fell inward. The truck was unable to clear the bridge before it collapsed, and was crushed by the falling side pieces. The driver, Mr. H. Harrison, escaped serious injury, but the truck was extensively damaged. All traffic was suspended for the time being, and immediate attempts were made to construct a deviation below the bridge and across the ford. This followed the old road crossing and was completed this morning. It is expected that traffic will be able to use this deviation so long as no heavy rain falls.