SPAN OF BRIDGE COLLAPSES

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23965, 4 June 1943, Page 4

SPAN OF BRIDGE COLLAPSES

VEHICLES FALL INTO RIVER OCCUPANTS OF ONE NOT FOUND (P.A.) WELLINGTON, April 3. Through the collapse of the centre span of the Whirokino bridge, which crosses the Manawatu river about four miles south of Foxton, two and possibly three motor-vehicles, with their occupants, and two cyclists, were plunged into the river this evening. The cyclists and the occupants Of two motor-vehicles are known to be safe; though two persons were taken to the Palmerston North Hospital; but there is no trace of the occupant or occupants of the third vehicle which, it is thought, may have been the first to go through. The centre span of the bridge has fallen away "just as if it had been sawn through at each end,” one eyewitness states, and there is no trace of the vehicles in the water below-, apart from a transport lorry which, because of the vegetables seen rising and floating away, it is thought may be submerged. The first vehicle to go through the hole in the bridge was a jeep, in which it is stated there were two marines and a woman. One of the marines was able to swim, and made his way to the south side of the river. His companion was aided by the woman to the northern side, and later sent to the Palmerston North Hospital in an unconscious state. Before steps could be taken by those present to halt further traffic, a private car in which Mr and Mrs Peacock, of Whirokino, were on their way home from Foxton, also went through the gap. Both were able to swim ashore. Mrs Peacock received some injuries, however, and was sent to hospital with the marine. The two ‘cyclists also went through the gap when travelling southward from Foxton. Both reached the bank