Army Explains Why Bridge Collapsed as Pangandaran Regent Crossed It

The Pongpet suspension bridge in Pangandaran tilted during its inauguration after around 50 people crossed it at once, according to Indonesia’s Army. The incident occurred in Kampung Margajaya, Margacinta village, Cijulang district, as Pangandaran Regent Citra Pitriyami inaugurated the bridge on Aug. 30.

The Army said the left suspension cable slipped from its main fastening system. It rejected descriptions that the entire bridge had collapsed, saying the principal structure remained in position.

In a statement issued on Aug. 31, the Army’s information service said the bridge had a stated capacity and that Kodim 0625/Pangandaran had briefed residents before it opened. A notice board had also been placed beside the bridge explaining its capacity and rules for use.

The statement attributed the incident to the crowd’s enthusiasm after the inauguration, saying residents did not follow those restrictions. The Army’s explanation focused on the cable connection and the number of people crossing simultaneously, rather than a failure of the bridge’s main structure.

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As reported by several media outlets, the condition was described as the bridge collapsing. To clarify the information, what occurred was not the collapse or destruction of the bridge’s entire structure.