Dozens of Chinese Tourists Plunge into Lake when Footbridge Collapses

**kellyhound** · #1 ● 10-20-2013, 02:22 PM

Dozens of Chinese tourists were plunged into a lake when this newly-built footbridge buckled under their weight as they swarmed across to get a better view of Lushan Mountain in Jiujiang city, eastern China

The bridge collapsed when the herd of sightseers piled onto the bridge despite signs stating its maximum weight threshold.

A spokesman for the builders denied the bridge was clear, saying: 'It was designed for 40 people, not 200.

'They should have not allowed so many on at the same time.'

They fell into the icy water one by one, leaving as many as 18 people with minor injuries in east China's Jiangxi province.

People were seen struggling to stay afloat and scrambling over each other as the water flooded onto the bridge, and eye witnesses then threw dozens of life rings to keep them afloat.

The incident occurred when too many tourists crowded onto the bridge, ignoring instructions from management staff, a publicity department official.

The wharf opened in September for the pleasure boats with parking for buses was built because Xihai is famous for its mountains and clear waters.

The bridge had been in trial use since September 26 as it had not yet passed final inspections, according to a report.

Most of the tourists were rescued after around five minutes of floundering in the water.
They suffered slight bruises and had been sent to a hospital.