Mon bridge collapse: Heavy rain, strong current

World's second longest wooden bridge in Kanchanaburi collapsed Sunday night. Still not sure if repair possible.

Photos show the bridge after it began collapsing on Monday, and, on the right, the bridge in use by local people in Sangkhla Buri. (Photo of collapsed bridge by Thiti Wannamontha)

SAFETY

Weed buildup leads to bridge collapse

30/07/2013

Post Reporters

Saphan Mon, the country's longest wooden bridge, collapsed due to a build-up of weeds, an official says.

The weeds were brought by strong currents during heavy rain in Kanchanaburi's Sangkhla Buri district, Sangkhla Buri district chief Chathip Rujanaseri said Monday.

The bridge spanning the Song Kalia River in tambon Nong Plu started collapsing on Sunday evening, and by Monday morning up to 70 metres of the 850-metre long bridge had disappeared.

Mr Chathip said the bridge was unable to withstand the pressure which the weeds caused after having piled up against the structure in the strong currents.

No one was hurt in the incident.

The Mon Bridge, a frequent tourist destination, is about 850 metres long. It is recognised as the world's second longest wooden bridge, second to the Horrai Bridge in Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, which is 897 metres.

The Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning will be asked to examine the bridge to see whether it can be repaired, he added.

Mr Chathip said Sangkhla Buri district was declared a disaster zone.

More than 150 houses in several villages were flooded, while Christian Hospital staff had to evacuate patients to nearby buildings.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/print/362147/