Bridge Collapse in Peru: Structural Failure Sends Bus Crashing into River

A tragic accident unfolded in northern Peru when a 60-meter-long bridge collapsed, sending a double-decker bus and a car plunging into a river. The incident occurred near Chancay, along the Panamerican Highway, leaving at least two dead and dozens injured. Authorities have attributed the collapse to structural failure, specifically at the central pillar of the bridge, which was originally constructed in the 1960s.

The bus, carrying over 50 passengers, was en route to Lima from Chimbote when disaster struck. The collapse resulted in the death of the driver and one passenger, while 41 individuals were rushed to hospitals with various injuries. The high casualty numbers highlight Peru’s ongoing traffic safety crisis, as the country recorded over 3,100 traffic-related deaths in 2023.

This collapse raises serious concerns about aging infrastructure and the need for regular structural integrity assessments. Bridges built decades ago, without modern seismic and load-bearing reinforcements, pose significant risks. This incident serves as a critical reminder for authorities to conduct rigorous inspections, enforce maintenance regulations, and invest in safer, more resilient transport infrastructure.

Check out below video footage of the disastrous bridge collapse.